From Damola Adeloye, Ibadan
Important dignitaries will converge on Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, between December 13 and 18 for the 70th anniversary of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Ibadan branch.
The dignitaries, particularly from the legal profession expected at the week-long ceremony include the Attorney-General of the Federation, AGF, and Minister of Justice, Pince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN); Justice Olukayode Ariwoola; President of the NBA, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN); Professor Yusuf Alli (SAN), and Chief Wale Babalakin (SAN).
Others include Oyo State governor, Engr Seyi Makinde, Ondo State governor, Chief Lucky Ayedatiwa, Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yetima, Chief Folake Solanke (SAN).
Addressing journalists yesterday on the lined-up activities in Ibadan, Chairman of the 70th anniversary ceremony, Barrister Mutailubi Ojo (SAN) said Ibadan branch had produced more than any other branch, the most prominent and popular lawyers and judges in the country.
He said the likes of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief Rotimi Williams (SAN), Chief Fani Kayode, Chief Richard Akinjide (SAN) Justice Kayode Eso; Justice Ganiyu Agbaje and Justice Bola Babalakin were from Ibadan branch before majority of them went to Lagos as the capital of Nigeria and other parts of the country.
Ojo declared that the 70th anniversary Law Week with the title: ‘Law, Legal Practice and Development,’ would witness a lot of activities which include going to the Ansarudeen Central Mosque at Liberty Stadium for special prayers for Muslim members, while Christan members on December 15, would attend an inter denominational service at St Anne’s Church, Police Post in Ibadan, health walk, sports, visit and donation of materials to orphanages and delivering of lectures that would be helpful to the development of Nigeria.
He said by Monday, December 16, being the opening ceremony, Governor Makinde would be the guest of honour, while Justice Olukayode Ariwoola would serve as chairman of the occasion; keynote speaker is Chief Olanipekun and Prince Fagbemi SAN, is the guest of honour.
