BACK AS ONE; A UNIFIED MIDWEST BAR FORUM

The Midwest Bar Forum, comprising about 14 branches of the Nigerian Bar Association, has officially resolved its long-standing divisions and reaffirmed its unity. In a well-attended meeting convened by Chief T.J.O. Okpoko, SAN that held on the 15th day of March, 2025 which was hosted by the Warri Branch of the forum, and saw the participation of 12 out of 14 of the chairmen of the various branches, critical resolutions were reached to solidify the forum's cohesion and ensure its effective operation.

Key among the resolutions was the decision to unify the previously existing factions, thereby restoring the Midwest Bar Forum as a single, indivisible body. To facilitate a smooth transition, the forum resolved to conduct a unified election and, in furtherance of this, appointed a Caretaker Committee tasked with overseeing the process. The members of the committee are:
1. Kunle Edun, SAN (Warri Branch)
2. J. Enebalulu (Benin Branch)
3. Vincent Giwa (Auchi Branch)
4. Kelly Ogbe (Sapele Branch)
5. Michael Boise (Ogwashi-Uku Branch)

The appointed Caretaker Committee was duly sworn in, and the chairman delivered a maiden address, setting the tone for the forum's renewed direction. Additionally, in a bid to further consolidate unity, it was resolved that all factional WhatsApp groups and other social media platforms associated with past divisions be closed.

With these resolutions, the Midwest Bar Forum has taken a decisive step towards unity, progress, and collective advancement. The forum now looks forward to the successful conduct of elections and the continued strengthening of the legal profession in the region.


*Joshua O. Braimoh, Esq.* the Publicity Secretary, NBA-BENIN (and an attendee of the meeting) writes from Benin City.