A MEMORABLE EVENING OF FELLOWSHIP AND GOODWILL: NBA BENIN EXCO APPRECIATES OLAYIWOLA E. AFOLABI, SAN FOR HIS ENDURING SUPPORT

Respected Silks, Distinguished Seniors, Dear Colleagues and Friends of the Lion Bar,

The newly elected Executive Committee of the NBA Benin (Lion) Branch led by Omorondion Omoigui, Esq. was on Tuesday, 1st of September 2026, hosted to a grand reception by distinguished legal practitioner and Learned Silk, Olayiwola Emmanuel Afolabi, SAN, at the Uyi Grand Event Centre, Benin City.

The reception, which forms part of the Learned Silk’s longstanding tradition of hosting successive administrations of the Lion Bar, brought together distinguished members of the legal profession and other notable guests in an atmosphere of warmth, fellowship and celebration.

Among those in attendance were the Head of Service, Edo State, Dr. Anthony Osas Okungbowa, Esq.; former Attorneys General and Commissioners for Justice of Edo State, Hon. Samson Osagie, Esq. and Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi, Esq.; Past Chairmen of the Lion Bar, Ede Asenoguan, Esq. and Pius Idemudia Oiwoh, Esq.; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism, Iryn Omorogiuwa, Esq.; and respected Bar Elder, Chief Makole Omo Azugbene, Esq. The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, Prof. Edoba Bright Omoregie, SAN, was represented by the Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Benin, Prof. Bright Bazuaye, Esq.

The occasion was chaired by Rt. Hon. Paschal Ugbome, Esq., former Chief Whip of the Edo State House of Assembly, who warmly congratulated the new Executive Committee and commended Afolabi, SAN, for sustaining his remarkable tradition of supporting successive leaderships of the NBA Benin (Lion) Branch.

In his goodwill message, Hon. Samson Osagie, Esq., described the host as a philanthropist by nature and charged the new administration to work for the continued growth and advancement of the Branch, particularly by developing deliberate strategies towards producing more Senior Advocates of Nigeria from the Benin Bar.

The Head of Service, Edo State, Dr. Anthony Osas Okungbowa, Esq., and other distinguished guests also delivered goodwill messages, speaking warmly of the host and congratulating the newly elected Executive Committee on the commencement of its tenure. Their remarks reflected the goodwill surrounding the new administration and the high expectations placed on its leadership.

A major intellectual highlight of the occasion was the keynote address titled “Evolving a New Bar: From Campaigns to Construction with Clarity and Courage,” delivered by E.C. Abednego, Esq., Principal Partner of Midlex LLP.

The keynote challenged the new administration to move beyond electioneering and focus on the constructive work of building a stronger Bar. Among other issues, it emphasised the need for greater visibility of the Lion Bar nationally, a stronger ethical culture, improved welfare initiatives, deliberate mentorship and strategies for producing more Senior Advocates of Nigeria.

The address also placed particular emphasis on accountability and responsible leadership, urging the new administration to ensure that the affairs of the Branch are conducted with transparency and that the welfare of members remains central to its decisions.

Responding to the charge, the Chairman of the NBA Benin (Lion) Branch, Omorodion Omoigui, Esq., expressed profound appreciation to the Otunba of the Bar, O. E. Afolabi, SAN, for hosting the new Executive Committee and keeping the tradition alive. He described the Learned Silk as a man with a benevolent heart.

On the issue of producing more Senior Advocates from the Branch, the Chairman acknowledged the challenge but noted that it is not insurmountable. He stated that the Branch would pursue more strategic and intentional initiatives, with the involvement of senior lawyers, past Chairmen, Learned Silks and other relevant stakeholders.

The Chairman also reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to accountability, transparency and decisive action, particularly on issues affecting the welfare and professional interests of members. He reiterated the Branch’s resolve to protect its remuneration regime and announced that the administration would resist, with everything in its arsenal, any attempt to undermine the regime.

He further restated the Branch’s determination to challenge the repeal and/or amendment of Edo State’s Financial Autonomy Laws, stressing that leadership is not merely about occupying a position, but about taking action when the occasion demands it.

The generosity of the host was another memorable feature of the reception. More than ten laptops, alongside other gift items, were presented to guests and lawyers in his office. While members of the Executive Committee received several gift items. This further underscored the Learned Silk’s reputation for generosity and his goodwill towards the Lion Bar and members of the general public.

The formal proceedings eventually gave way to music, dancing, photography, sumptuous meals, assorted drinks, cake cutting, and conviviality, bringing the memorable afternoon to a fitting close.

The Executive Committee of the NBA Benin (Lion) Branch expresses its profound gratitude to Olayiwola E. Afolabi, SAN, for this remarkable reception and for the generosity, warmth and goodwill with which he welcomed the new leadership of the Lion Bar.

Beyond the splendour of the occasion, the Executive Committee deeply appreciates the significance of the tradition that the Learned Silk has continued to uphold over the years. His consistent support for successive administrations of the Branch, his encouragement of younger members of the profession, and his willingness to celebrate and invest in the leadership of the Bar are gestures that deserve not only commendation but our deepest and lasting appreciation.

The Executive Committee is particularly grateful for the thoughtful gifts presented at the occasion and for the opportunity to share an evening of fellowship, reflection and celebration in such distinguished company. We remain sincerely appreciative of the confidence, goodwill and encouragement extended to us as we commence this journey of service.

We pray that the Learned Silk will continue to enjoy good health, fulfilment and many more years of impactful service to the legal profession and the wider community. We also look forward to preserving and strengthening the bonds of fellowship that make the Lion Bar one big family.

As the new administration settles into its mandate, the message from the occasion remains clear: the task before the new leadership is not merely to lead the Bar, but to lift the Bar.

Thank you and God you all.


OSAYUKI KING AGBONGHAE, ESQ.
PUBLICITY SECRETARY
NBA BENIN (LION) BRANCH