A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS AS THE OMORODION OMOIGUI-LED ADMINISTRATION TAKES THE HELM OF NBA BENIN (LION) BRANCH

Dear Esteemed Colleagues and Members of the Public,

A New Chapter, a Fresh Mandate. A Bar Ready to Move Forward.

The Lion Bar has roared, the baton has changed hands, and a new administration has officially taken the helm of the Nigerian Bar Association, Benin (Lion) Branch.

The newly elected Executive Committee of the Branch was on Monday, 31st of August 2026, formally sworn into office at the Constance Momoh Hall of the NBA Benin Secretariat, signalling the commencement of a new two-year administration led by Omorodion Omoigui, Esq., as Chairman.

In one of the most solemn moments of the ceremony, the weight of the mandate entrusted to the new Executive Committee became unmistakably real. Before the Bar and the Bench, the newly elected Branch officers took the Oath of Office, pledging their allegiance to the Nigerian Bar Association and solemnly undertaking to discharge their responsibilities faithfully, with the best interests, integrity and wellbeing of the Association at heart.

The oath, administered by My Lord, Hon. Justice A. T. Momodu, representing the Chief Judge of Edo State, My Lord, Hon. Justice D. I. Okungbowa, was more than a ceremonial formality. It was a public covenant of service; a solemn promise that personal interests would not be allowed to overshadow official responsibilities, and that the new officers would strive to uphold the ethics of the profession, defend the Rule of Law, and protect the independence of the Bar.

The ceremony brought together distinguished members of the Bar and Bench, including Professor Roland Itoya Otaru, SAN; the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Edo State, Stephen Okoror, Esq.; the Solicitor-General of Edo State, as well as past Chairmen of the Branch, including Chief Razak Isenalumhe (Bencher), Ede Asenoguan, Esq., Prince Collins Benson Ogiegbaen, Esq. and Pius Oiwoh, Esq., among other distinguished guests and members of the Lion Bar.


A Baton Passed, a Legacy Acknowledged

In his farewell address, the immediate past Chairman of the Branch, Idemudia Iredia Osifo, Esq., reflected on his administration and formally handed over the reins of leadership to the new officers of the Branch.

In charging the incoming Chairman on the responsibility ahead, the outgoing Chairman offered a thought that captured the essence of leadership at the Bar: the Branch does not necessarily need a Chairman who is loved by everyone; it needs a Chairman who loves the Bar and possesses the capacity, courage and commitment to lead it to greater heights.

It was a fitting charge at a moment when one administration closed its chapter and another opened a new one.

The new administration has therefore inherited not merely an office, but a continuing story; one that must be preserved, strengthened and taken further.


Six Cardinal Points, One Collective Vision.

In his inaugural address, Chairman Omorodion Omoigui, Esq. unveiled the agenda of his administration, which he described as being anchored on six cardinal points:

1. Welfare
2. Unity and Inclusiveness
3. Transparency and Accountability
4. Capacity Building
5. Rule of Law
6. Infrastructure and Digitalization

On welfare, the administration has pledged particular attention to the needs of lawyers across generations, including young lawyers and elderly or ailing members. Among the announced initiatives are exemptions from dinner fees and Law Week registration for young lawyers of five years post-call and below, as well as members above 70 years, alongside other welfare measures including proposed health initiatives.

On unity and inclusiveness, the Chairman pledged to bridge the gap between seniors and juniors and work across the various interests and divisions within the Branch. His message was one of synergy: drawing from the energy of younger lawyers and the wisdom and experience of senior members to pursue the collective advancement of the Bar.

On transparency and accountability, the administration has committed to presenting its budget and periodic accounts of income and expenditure at monthly meetings, with an assurance of prudent and transparent management of the Branch’s finances.

On capacity building, the Chairman emphasised continuous legal education, specialised training, mentorship and the opening of new vistas beyond conventional modes of legal practice, particularly in business, investment and corporate practice.


The Lion Bar and the Rule of Law

Perhaps one of the strongest declarations of the inaugural address was the administration’s commitment to the Rule of Law, which the Chairman identified as one of the cardinal and principal objectives of the Nigerian Bar Association.

He stated that the Lion Bar would not only promote the Rule of Law but would hold relevant arms of government accountable, speak truth to power without fear or favour, and equally commend government where it acts in accordance with the principles of good governance and the Rule of Law.

Of particular significance, the Chairman announced that the Lion Bar would, in the coming days, take necessary steps to challenge the recent actions of the Edo State House of Assembly concerning the repeal of laws which, in the Branch’s view, guaranteed the independence of the Legislature and the Judiciary.

The Chairman expressed the position that the development raises serious constitutional and institutional concerns, particularly regarding the separation of powers and the independence of the three arms of government, and stated that the Branch would take appropriate steps in response.

For a Bar whose traditional duty is to stand watch over the Rule of Law, this is a significant declaration of intent.


A Bar House for a New Era

The sixth pillar, Infrastructure and Digitalization, looks inward at the physical and technological face of the Branch.

The administration has pledged to give the Bar House a facelift and make it more conducive, functional and digitally equipped to meet contemporary standards. It also announced plans to constitute committees at the Branch’s September meeting to drive the implementation of its programmes and vision.

The message is clear: a modern Bar should not only have a strong voice; it should also have the structures and tools to support that voice.


The Work Begins

As the ceremony drew to a close, the new administration assumed more than the titles attached to its various offices. It assumed the weight of expectation that comes with them.

The Chairman has presented the roadmap. The Executive Committee now has the responsibility of turning those promises into programmes, policies and measurable results.

The Branch members have given their mandate. The baton has been passed. The Lion Bar now begins another two-year journey. But as the saying goes, a mandate is not measured by the applause that accompanies its beginning, but by the legacy it leaves at its end.

Welcome, therefore, to the Omorodion Omoigui-led Administration of the NBA Benin (Lion) Branch.

May this administration be marked by courage in leadership, humility in service, fidelity to the Rule of Law, and a steadfast commitment to the progress and unity of the Lion Bar. May the new leadership build upon the achievements of those who came before, strengthen the bonds that unite us, and leave the NBA Benin Branch stronger, more vibrant and better positioned for the future.

Long live the NBA Benin (Lion) Branch.
Long live the Nigerian Bar Association.
Long live Edo State.
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Thank you, and may God bless the Nigerian Bar Association, the Lion Bar, and all its members.


OSAYUKI KING AGBONGHAE, ESQ.
Publicity Secretary
NBA Benin (Lion) Branch
31st August, 2026