The Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, has renewed calls for equal treatment under Nigerian law, stressing that government institutions and public officials must remain accountable to the Constitution.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has emphasised the need to protect the constitutional rights of every Nigerian, regardless of their position or influence in society.
Fagbemi delivered the message on Friday, October 16, 2026, during the inauguration of a new Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) secretariat in Ikare-Akoko, Akoko North-East Local Government Area of Ondo State.
Speaking at the event, the justice minister said the authority of the law must extend equally to citizens, public office holders and institutions entrusted with governing the country.
He stressed that Nigeria’s democratic system could only remain effective when constitutional principles were respected and citizens had confidence in the administration of justice.
Fagbemi urges lawyers to defend constitutional governance
The Attorney-General called for closer cooperation among the Federal Ministry of Justice, the judiciary, the Nigerian Bar Association and other legal institutions in strengthening justice delivery.
According to him, protecting human rights and promoting judicial independence require sustained commitment from everyone involved in the legal system.
He encouraged members of the NBA to remain active in discussions about judicial reform, professional accountability and the protection of constitutional democracy.
Fagbemi also drew attention to Nigerians who struggle to obtain legal representation because of poverty and other disadvantages.
He urged legal practitioners to expand free legal assistance and support initiatives that would make justice more accessible to people in underserved communities.
The minister further advised lawyers to improve their professional skills, adopt modern legal technology and maintain high ethical standards throughout their careers.
Former NBA president raises concerns over election violence
The event also provided an opportunity for former Nigerian Bar Association President Afam Osigwe, SAN, to address growing concerns about political conduct ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
Osigwe cautioned politicians against inflammatory statements and actions capable of provoking violence or threatening the country’s democratic stability.
He called on security agencies to investigate credible threats of electoral violence and urged political leaders to exercise restraint.
The former NBA president maintained that disagreement with government policies and criticism of political office holders are legitimate features of democracy.
However, he distinguished peaceful political opposition from actions intended to encourage violence or the unlawful removal of an elected government.
Osigwe also called for fair competition among political parties, warning against the use of government institutions to intimidate opposition candidates.
He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to maintain transparency and impartiality throughout the electoral process.
According to him, a peaceful political environment and confidence in electoral institutions are essential to ensuring that Nigerians can participate freely in elections.
New NBA secretariat to support young lawyers
Chairman of the NBA Ikare-Akoko Branch, Omotan Ogunmodede, welcomed the completion of the new secretariat, describing it as an important investment in the development of legal practitioners in the area.
He expressed appreciation to those who contributed to the project, particularly Kofo Salam-Alada, a former Director of Legal Services at the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Ogunmodede explained that the facility would provide practical support to lawyers who are still establishing themselves professionally.
He noted that access to legal reference materials and workspace could reduce some of the financial difficulties experienced by younger practitioners.
The building is also expected to provide opportunities for legal research, professional interaction and meetings with clients.
Salam-Alada explains how the project began
Kofo Salam-Alada, after whom the secretariat was named, attributed the development of the facility to support from friends and associates.
He explained that the idea emerged around the time he was honoured as grand patron of the NBA Ikare-Akoko Branch.
According to his account, friends who attended the ceremony decided to contribute towards establishing a permanent facility for the legal community.
Salam-Alada described the initiative as part of a wider personal commitment to supporting educational, professional and socioeconomic development in Akoko communities.
He said his interest in community development was not driven by political ambition but by a desire to contribute to places and institutions that had played important roles in his life.
Renewed attention on justice and accountability
The inauguration comes amid continuing national discussions about judicial independence, access to legal services and the need to protect democratic institutions.
Fagbemi’s remarks reinforced the principle that constitutional authority must be exercised within the boundaries of the law.
The gathering also highlighted the importance of providing legal professionals, particularly those entering the profession, with facilities and resources that enable them to serve their communities effectively.
As preparations continue for the 2027 general elections, the calls for accountability, equal justice and peaceful political participation underline the responsibilities facing government institutions, legal practitioners and political leaders.
