NEWS
UBANI, SAN, FAULTS SUPREME COURT CEREMONY ORGANISATION, DEMANDS RESPECT FOR SENIOR LAWYERS
Legal practitioner calls for accountability, improved planning and dignified treatment of senior advocates following reported exclusion from Legal Year ceremony
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Dr. M.O. Ubani, has criticised the reported exclusion of some senior lawyers from the recent opening of the Legal Year and conferment ceremony for the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria at the Supreme Court, describing the incident as unfortunate and calling for improved organisation of future judicial ceremonies.
Ubani, a legal practitioner and public affairs commentator, expressed concern over videos circulating online showing some distinguished senior lawyers, fully robed and prepared to participate in the ceremony, reportedly stranded outside the venue and unable to gain access.
He said he watched the scenes while in Europe with profound embarrassment and sadness, noting that those affected were not ordinary spectators but respected members of the legal profession who had devoted decades to the administration of justice and the development of the Bar.
According to him, the incident raises serious questions about the planning, coordination and admission procedures adopted for an event of such national and professional significance.
He maintained that a ceremony organised to celebrate the achievements and dignity of the legal profession should not become a source of embarrassment to its members.
The opening of the Legal Year and the conferment of the SAN rank are significant institutional occasions that celebrate professional excellence, the administration of justice and the enduring relationship between the Bench and the Bar.
While politicians, public officials, family members and friends of newly elevated Senior Advocates are welcome to participate in the celebration, Ubani stressed that accommodating invited guests requires adequate preparation, effective coordination and a reliable admission process.
He argued that where seating capacity is limited, organisers must anticipate attendance, properly coordinate invitations and accreditation, communicate admission procedures clearly and provide sufficient guidance for guests.
According to him, inadequate planning or poor coordination, if established as contributing factors, should not be allowed to undermine the dignity of an occasion designed to celebrate the legal profession.
“Good organisation is not an optional extra at a national judicial event; it is an essential part of the dignity of the profession,” he stated.
Ubani further emphasised that the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria represents one of the country’s highest professional distinctions, adding that many senior recipients of the rank have spent decades appearing before the courts, mentoring younger practitioners, serving professional associations and upholding the rule of law.
He clarified that senior lawyers should not expect preferential treatment merely because of their titles. However, they deserve the consideration and respect due to every invited participant, particularly at an occasion of such professional importance.
He noted that the presence of older silks at the conferment ceremony represents more than attendance, as it symbolises professional solidarity, continuity and the transmission of the traditions of the Bar from one generation to another.
While newly conferred Senior Advocates deserve a dignified welcome, he said, their senior colleagues should equally have the opportunity to share in the celebration.
Ubani warned that the legal profession must not celebrate the elevation of some of its members while inadvertently humiliating others through avoidable administrative shortcomings.
He also expressed concern over reports that several senior advocates, including a state Attorney-General, were allegedly asked by Supreme Court officials to leave the hall.
“Why? How?” he queried, calling for clarification of the circumstances surrounding the reported incident.
The legal practitioner called on the Office of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) and the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN) to clarify what transpired and explain the circumstances that reportedly led to the exclusion of some senior lawyers.
He stressed that his position was not intended to condemn any individual or institution without first establishing the facts. Rather, he described his intervention as a call for accountability, reflection and institutional improvement.
Among the questions he raised were whether organisers adequately assessed expected attendance, whether seating arrangements and accreditation procedures were properly coordinated, and whether sufficient measures were put in place to manage the movement of invited guests.
He maintained that these questions deserved answers, not for the purpose of unnecessary blame, but to establish what went wrong and prevent a recurrence.
Ubani added that if inadequate planning or poor coordination contributed to the incident, the appropriate response would be to acknowledge the shortcomings and demonstrate a clear commitment to correcting them.
He cautioned against allowing silence to become the final response to an occurrence that had reportedly caused visible embarrassment within the legal profession.
According to him, a timely explanation, accompanied by practical corrective measures, would reassure members of the Bench and Bar that the concerns raised had been taken seriously.
Ubani identified improved event management as a major lesson from the reported incident, urging organisers of future conferment ceremonies and other significant judicial events to prioritise planning and coordination.
He recommended realistic assessments of expected attendance, seating capacity and security requirements well ahead of scheduled events.
He also called for proper coordination of invitations and accreditation, clear communication of admission protocols, and the deployment of adequate personnel to manage entry and resolve difficulties promptly.
In addition, he stressed the importance of contingency arrangements to address unexpected attendance and other foreseeable challenges.
Where venue limitations make restrictions on entry unavoidable, he argued, such measures should be implemented in an orderly, transparent and respectful manner.
He observed that the success of a judicial ceremony should not be measured solely by the calibre of personalities in attendance or the grandeur of the proceedings, but also by the quality of its organisation and the dignity accorded to participants.
Ubani further noted that the Supreme Court, as the apex court in Nigeria’s judicial hierarchy, must ensure that its official ceremonies reflect the discipline, orderliness and professionalism expected of an institution entrusted with upholding justice and the rule of law.
“When organisation fails, the embarrassment is visible; when it succeeds, the dignity of the institution is preserved,” he stated.
The Senior Advocate expressed hope that the incident would remain an isolated occurrence in the history of the conferment of the SAN rank.
He warned that repeated experiences of this nature could discourage older silks from attending future ceremonies, a development he described as regrettable because their participation strengthens professional fellowship and preserves the relationship between generations of legal practitioners.
He therefore urged the Office of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the relevant organisers and BOSAN to work together to identify and address any shortcomings established to have contributed to the reported incident.
According to him, future ceremonies must be planned with the foresight, coordination and attention to detail their institutional importance demands.
Ubani’s intervention ultimately underscores the need to protect the dignity of the legal profession through effective administration, mutual respect and a commitment to continuous institutional improvement.
He concluded with a call for future conferment ceremonies to be remembered for their dignity, excellent organisation and professional fellowship, rather than the embarrassment of lawyers who attend to honour newly elevated members of the Bar and participate in the opening of a new Legal Year.
“The older silks deserve respect. The new silks deserve a dignified welcome. The Bench and the Bar deserve ceremonies that reflect their professional standing and institutional importance.”
He expressed the hope that the reported incident would not recur, adding that lessons drawn from the experience should lead to meaningful improvements in the organisation of future judicial events.
Dr. M.O. Ubani, SAN, is a legal practitioner and public affairs commentator.
NEWS
OZIOMA RALLIES ADC OSISIOMA LEADERS FOR 2027, TASKS WARD EXECUTIVES ON GRASSROOTS MOBILISATION
Barr. Kelechi Ozioma Onyeobia, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for the Obingwa, Osisioma and Ugwunagbo Federal Constituency, has called for stronger party unity, strategic planning and intensified grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
On Wednesday, October 21, 2026, Onyeobia held an interactive meeting with the ADC Osisioma 5-Arms Local Government and Ward Executives in Osisioma Ngwa, Abia State, to assess the party’s progress, review mobilisation strategies and identify areas requiring improvement.
Speaking at the meeting, the ADC Chairman in Osisioma Ngwa, Hon. Obioma Ogbonna, commended the candidates for their commitment to the party’s growth and pledged continued support, urging leaders and stakeholders to sustain cooperation.
Other party leaders, including Hon. Emeka Ahukanna, ADC LGA Secretary; Hon. Michael Onyekwere, Ward 1 Chairman; and Hon. Chibuzor Akokwu, Ward 6 Chairman, highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen the party through ward level engagement and grassroots mobilisation.
Similarly, Hon. Dan Onwutuebe, Osisioma Ngwa Coordinator of the Atiku Abubakar/Rotimi Amaechi Campaign Organisation, expressed confidence in Onyeobia’s candidacy and urged members to work collectively towards electoral victory in 2027.
The Deputy Director General and Osisioma Coordinator of the Ozioma Movement, Hon. Obinna Otuonye, also encouraged members to spread the OZIOMA message across communities, assuring them of an inclusive movement guided by the popular Igbo expression, “Onye ruo ma, ya eri ma”, emphasising the principle that everyone should have a role in collective progress.
Addressing the executives, Barr. Onyeobia urged them to remain united, proactive and committed to delivering victory for all ADC candidates. He stressed the need for consistent community engagement, wider dissemination of the party’s message and stronger collaboration among leaders and stakeholders.
He reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with party structures to build a stronger, more inclusive and electorally competitive ADC across the federal constituency.
The meeting underscored the importance of grassroots participation, effective leadership and party unity as the ADC intensifies preparations for the 2027 general elections.
NEWS
UBANI SAN CHARGES NBA ORON ON ACCOUNTABILITY, SECURITY AND PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE AS BAR CENTRE PROJECT TAKES OFF
Senior Advocate says proposed NBA Oron House must promote mentorship, unity, institutional integrity and access to justice.
Dr. Monday Ubani, SAN, has called for a secure, dignified and professionally supportive environment for legal practitioners, stressing that the independence and safety of lawyers remain fundamental to the protection of the rule of law and the effective administration of justice in Nigeria.
Ubani made the call while delivering the keynote address as Chairman of the Occasion at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Oron Branch, Law Week, held under the theme, “Legal Administration and Legal Practice in a Secured Environment.” The event featured the foundation-laying ceremony for the proposed NBA Oron House, Bar Centre, marking a significant step towards strengthening the branch’s institutional capacity and professional development.
The senior lawyer explained that security in legal practice extends beyond physical protection to include freedom from threats, intimidation and unlawful interference, as well as the protection of confidential information, digital security and institutional safeguards.
He maintained that lawyers must be able to perform their professional duties without fear of retaliation, particularly when challenging unlawful conduct or representing clients whose interests may conflict with those of powerful individuals or institutions.
Describing the proposed NBA Oron House as more than a physical structure, Ubani said the Centre should become a lasting professional home where lawyers can exchange ideas, access continuing legal education, receive mentorship and collaborate on legal aid and public-interest initiatives.
He urged the branch to ensure that the facility is adequately equipped with functional meeting rooms, legal research resources, private consultation spaces, administrative offices, reliable utilities and appropriate security arrangements. He also emphasised accessibility for persons with disabilities and the need for a sustainable maintenance plan.
Accountability, Transparency Essential to Project’s Success
Ubani stressed that the success of the Bar Centre would depend not only on the quality of its construction but also on the transparency, integrity and accountability of those responsible for its execution.
He called for proper documentation of financial contributions and expenditure, regular progress reports, professional procurement and construction standards, and a realistic completion and management plan.
He warned against allowing the facility to become the personal property of any administration or faction, insisting that it must remain an enduring institutional asset accessible to lawyers across generations and professional backgrounds.
Drawing on his experience in NBA leadership, including his service as Chairman of NBA Ikeja Branch, Second Vice-President of the Association and Chairman of NBA-SPIDEL, Ubani urged members to prioritise the collective interests of the legal profession above personal differences, electoral divisions and individual ambitions.
He observed that leadership tenures would eventually end, but institutions built on sound principles could serve generations to come.
Young Lawyers, Professional Development in Focus
The senior advocate also called for greater investment in young lawyers, noting that the proposed Centre should provide opportunities for mentorship, practical training, professional development and continuing legal education.
He identified the financial demands of establishing legal practice, technological changes, professional competition and the responsibility of maintaining ethical standards amid economic challenges as some of the difficulties confronting young practitioners.
According to him, a well-managed Bar Centre could help address these challenges, strengthen professional fellowship and prepare younger lawyers for greater responsibilities in the administration of justice.
Ubani further encouraged the NBA Oron Branch to use the facility as a platform for public service through legal awareness campaigns, pro bono services and constructive engagement on human rights, criminal justice reform, electoral integrity, constitutional governance and access to justice.
He emphasised that the credibility of the legal profession should not be measured solely by the respect lawyers command in courtrooms, but also by the confidence ordinary citizens repose in them.
Calls for Support Without Compromising Bar Independence
Ubani appealed to members of the Bench, government, traditional institutions, corporate organisations, business leaders, philanthropic individuals and other friends of the legal profession to support the project.
He, however, cautioned that partnerships and external support must not compromise the independence of the Bar or undermine its professional responsibilities.
Commending the leadership and members of NBA Oron Branch for initiating the project, he urged them to sustain the commitment and collective effort that had made the foundation-laying ceremony possible.
He said the true value of the completed Centre would not be determined merely by the beauty of its structure, but by the quality of lawyers it develops, the lives it touches and its contribution to justice and the rule of law.
Ubani expressed the hope that NBA Oron House would become a lasting symbol of professional excellence, institutional progress and service to humanity, built on the enduring foundations of unity, integrity, transparency and accountability.
Dignitaries Grace NBA Oron Law Week
The annual event attracted prominent members of the judiciary and the legal profession, including the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Hon. Justice Ekaette F. Obot, who was represented by Hon. Justice Effiong Offiong of the State High Court.
The Attorney-General of Akwa Ibom State, Uko Udom, SAN, was also represented by a director in the State Ministry of Justice. Several judges, magistrates and Bar leaders from Eket, Uyo and Ikot Ekpene attended the occasion.
The NBA Oron Branch is chaired by Ikara O. Ikara, Esq., while Chief Godwin Effiong serves as Chairman of the Annual Law Week Planning Committee.
The highlight of the event was the foundation-laying ceremony for the proposed NBA Oron House, led by Hon. Justice Effiong Offiong on behalf of the Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Ekaette F. Obot.
The ceremony was widely regarded as an important milestone in the branch’s drive to establish a permanent institutional facility that will strengthen professional interaction, support the development of lawyers and promote access to justice.
With the project now underway, the call by Ubani underscores the importance of ensuring that NBA Oron House becomes not merely a landmark building, but a centre of professional growth, ethical leadership, institutional accountability and public service.
NEWS
OZIOMA 2027: ONYEOBIA STRENGTHENS GRASSROOTS SUPPORT IN OBINGWA, ENGAGES NDA MEMBERS
ADC Federal Constituency Candidate Reaffirms Commitment to Dialogue, Unity and Effective Representation
Barr. Kelechi Ozioma Onyeobia, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for the Obingwa/Osisioma/Ugwunagbo Federal Constituency, has continued to strengthen his grassroots engagement ahead of the 2027 general elections, holding consultations with members of the New Development Alliance (NDA) in Mgboko, Umuanunu Ward 3, Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State.
The consultation, which took place on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, provided an opportunity for the ADC candidate and members of the group to exchange ideas, discuss their expectations, and explore a shared vision for the future development of the constituency.
Barr. Onyeobia and his entourage received a warm and enthusiastic welcome from members of the NDA, who expressed their appreciation for the engagement and their interest in his political vision under the Ozioma 2027 project.
In their separate remarks, the group’s leader, the ADC Ward 3 Chairman, the Women Leader, and the Youth Leader commended Barr. Onyeobia for what they described as his commitment, sincerity, integrity, and clear vision for development and effective representation.
They expressed confidence in his leadership capacity and highlighted their expectations for a future defined by purposeful representation, improved opportunities, and greater attention to the needs and aspirations of the people.
Responding, Barr. Onyeobia thanked the members for their warm reception, patience, and willingness to engage with him and his team. He emphasized the importance of sustained dialogue, mutual understanding, collaboration, and grassroots participation in building a stronger constituency where the voices and interests of the people remain central to leadership decisions.
He reaffirmed the value of engaging directly with community members, noting that meaningful representation requires listening to the people, understanding their concerns, and working collectively towards a common developmental vision.
Also speaking, Hon. Chief Uche Okezie urged members of the group to remain committed to the Ozioma 2027 project and take its message of purposeful leadership and effective representation to their communities, churches, families, friends, and other social networks.
Hon. Okezie described Barr. Onyeobia as a man of integrity and sincerity whose commitment to the people’s interests, in his view, makes him worthy of their confidence. He also highlighted his longstanding relationship with the group’s leader, expressing optimism that their continued partnership, unity, and collective efforts would contribute to achieving their shared aspiration for a more progressive and effectively represented federal constituency.
The meeting further underscored the importance of grassroots consultations in strengthening relationships, building trust, and creating opportunities for citizens to participate in conversations about their political future.
As the 2027 elections approach, the Ozioma 2027 project continues to pursue grassroots engagement across the constituency, with an emphasis on unity, dialogue, and a shared commitment to better representation.
For Barr. Kelechi Ozioma Onyeobia and his supporters, the message remains clear, meaningful leadership begins with listening to the people, building trust, and working together towards a better future for Obingwa/Osisioma/Ugwunagbo Federal Constituency.
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