AWLA President Amanda Demechi-Asagba congratulates former NBA President Augustine Alegeh SAN on his 40th Anniversary at the Bar

AFRICAN WOMEN LAWYERS ASSOCIATION (AWLA)
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
Website: https://awla.international
Date: 16th October, 2026


TO OUR ESTEEMED PATRON, MALE CHAMPION & LEGAL ICON - AUGUSTINE OYAREKHUA ALEGEH, SAN, CON

The Executive Council and the entire global membership of the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) join the entire Nigerian Legal Community and well-wishers across the world to roll out the drums in celebration of a rare legal gem, an Icon, a Pace-Setter and a Juggernaut of our noble profession

Chief Augustine Oyarekhua Alegeh, SAN, CON*
on the occasion of the *40th Anniversary of your Call to Bar as Solicitor and Advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria (1986 - 2026).

Forty years at the Bar is not just a passage of time; it is four decades of sagacious, smooth and stellar operations, of exemplary advocacy, of uncommon leadership, of mentorship without measure, and of selfless service to the Bar and to humanity.

YOUR IMMENSE CONTRIBUTION TO THE BAR:

We celebrate you today as:

A Leader Par Excellence - As the *23rd President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) 2014-2016, you led the Bar with uncommon wisdom, reforms, inclusivity and dignity. Your tenure remains a reference point for visionary leadership that honoured all - Seniors and Juniors, Bench and Bar.

A Pace-Setter and Legal Juggernaut - Your foray into law practice, your mastery of litigation, your sagacity in commercial law practice, and your elevation to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria and the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), speak to a career built on excellence, integrity and hard work.

Humble and Humane, A Good Team Player - In spite of your towering achievements, you have remained humble, humane, approachable and respectful. You honour all, big and small. You are a bridge-builder, a peace-maker, and a true team player whose door is open to all.

Hospitality Top-Notch - Your Benin home, Abuja office and your Lagos office are known for legendary hospitality. You receive all with warmth, grace and generosity of spirit.

A Reliable and Dependable Mentor and Encourager- You have mentored generations of lawyers without discrimination. Many Senior Advocates, Judges, Attorneys-General and Bar leaders today proudly trace their path to your tutelage and encouragement. You give freely of your time, wisdom and resources.

TO US IN AWLA:

You are more than a Patron. You are our Male Ally, Our Champion, Our Father and Our Shield. You have stood firmly with African Women Lawyers, supported our cause for gender justice, sponsored our programmes, and lent your highly respected voice to the empowerment of the girl child and the defence of the oppressed.

You are truly a Gift to Humanity and a gift to AWLA.

As you mark 40 glorious years as a Solicitor and Advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, we pray:

That the Lord who has kept you these 40 years will grant you many more years in sound health, sound mind and greater impact.
- That your oil will never run dry.
- That your legacy will continue to inspire the Bench and Bar for generations to come.

We are proud of you, our dear Patron, and we love and cherish you deeply.

Congratulations, Learned Silk!

With Deepest Admiration and Respect,

Mandy Demechi-Asagba, Esq.
President,
African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA)

Sakinah Adepeju Oduye-Quadri Esq.
Secretary General

On behalf of the Global Executive Council and all AWLA Members Worldwide