2025 Law Week Kicks Off in Ondo: A Commitment to Justice and Democracy
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Akure Branch, has launched its 2025 Law Week with a renewed focus on strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through judicial independence, electoral justice, and institutional accountability. The event, which marks the beginning of a week-long programme, aims to celebrate the legal profession while addressing critical issues within the country’s justice system.
At a press conference held in Akure, the Branch Chairman, Friday Umar, outlined the theme of this year’s Law Week: “Nigeria: Quest for a Utilitarian Judiciary and Roles for Stakeholders.” He emphasized that the event will serve as a platform to interrogate the state of Nigeria’s justice system and propose reforms that can ensure fairness, transparency, and public confidence.
Umar highlighted that Femi Fani-Kayode is set to deliver the keynote address at the opening ceremony on Tuesday, November 11, at The Dome, Akure. According to him, Fani-Kayode’s speech will set the tone for discussions on how the judiciary, legislature, and executive can work together to ensure that justice delivery serves the greater good of all Nigerians.
Key Themes and Objectives
The NBA Akure Branch plans to use the 2025 Law Week to push for reforms in the electoral system and correctional service, as well as advocate for judicial independence and ethical accountability within the legal profession. Umar stressed that democracy thrives only where there is an independent judiciary.
He pointed out that ongoing amendments to the Electoral Act must address pre-election litigations, forum shopping, and reckless conduct by political parties. Umar called for legal consequences for parties that violate internal democracy or abuse the electoral process.
He also mentioned that the branch’s communique at the end of the Law Week will contain far-reaching recommendations for the National Assembly and other relevant institutions, urging them to prioritize electoral justice as a foundation for credible governance.
Addressing Judicial Integrity
Umar addressed the rising trend of conflicting judgments, noting that while the judiciary is often criticized, judges decide cases based on evidence and the law, not public opinion. He emphasized that judicial integrity remains intact and credited the National Judicial Council (NJC) for tightening procedural guidelines to curb unethical practices like forum shopping.
“Judges do not rewrite laws; they interpret them. If the legislature makes a bad law, the courts must still interpret it within constitutional limits. The constitution remains the grundnorm, and any law inconsistent with it must bow,” he said.
Humanitarian Activities and Cultural Events
Beyond legal discourse, the 2025 Law Week will feature humanitarian visits to the Olokuta Correctional Centre, children’s homes, and the lepers’ colony in Akure. Members will provide free legal advice and donate welfare items.
Other highlights include a health walk, cocktail night, football match between the NBA and Nigerian Medical Association teams, and a grand law dinner and award night. Prominent personalities to be honored include Senator Bode Olajumoke, Mr Eyitayo Jegede, SAN, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior, Hon. Ayodele Olawande, Minister of Youth, and veteran journalist, Mr. Sam Amuka-Pemu, who will receive the Friend of the Bar award.
Calls for Judicial Autonomy
Umar commended the Ondo State Government for ongoing projects such as the construction of the State Judiciary Complex. However, he called for greater judicial autonomy in project execution to safeguard institutional independence.
“While we appreciate the government’s commitment, we believe the judiciary should have the capacity to embark on such infrastructure themselves, free from political or sentimental influence,” he added.
Conclusion
The 2025 NBA Akure Law Week will run from November 9 to 14, culminating in an interfaith Thanksgiving session at the Government House Mosque. The event promises to be a significant platform for dialogue, advocacy, and celebration of the legal profession in Nigeria.