Makinde calls for unity among Egbe Amofin O’Odua

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Oyo State governor, Mr Seyi Makinde, has called on the Egbe Amofin O’Odua to come together as a family and get what is due for the Yoruba race.

Makinde stated this at the maiden edition of Egbe Amofin O’Odua 2023 National Conference with the theme, “The Legal Profession in Nigeria: A Rebirth,” held at Aare Afe Babalola Bar Centre, NTC road, Ibadan, on Thursday.

The governor, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Segun Ogunwuyi, said as lawyers, members need to come together in one accord so as to achieve a common goal.

He said: “When there is unity, we can achieve a lot, and as lawyers, you need to come together and forge a common alliance so that in the equation of Nigeria, you can get what is due for the Yoruba race, even in the legal profession. So my message is you need to come together and unite and forge ahead.”

Chairman on the occasion and governor of Ondo State, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Catherine Oludunni Odu, said the programmer is a gathering of great minds with a shared interest in the rebirth of the legal profession in Nigeria.

Akeredolu noted that the justice sector in Nigeria continues to be an inalienable part of one of the arms of government just like any other sector, saying justice administration in Nigeria is not without its challenges, but it still remains the path to achieving justice.

He added that Egbe Amofin O’odua must raise mentors who are ready to shape the character of the legal profession as they help establish the customs and norms of the profession.

“When it comes to the administration of justice, judges are not the only ones who have roles to play. Lawyers have greater roles to play in ensuring that justice is administered. Let us bear in mind that all judges were once lawyers, and they remain so, except such a person is disrobed.

“The society, as a result, ascribes honour to the legal practitioner and because everywhere one is found, there is always reference to justice. It is for this reason that the legal profession is essential in the administration and effective dispensation of justice.”

Meanwhile, Chairman Egbe Amofin O’Odua, Chief Isiaka Olagunju (SAN) said: “Today is an important day for us as a milestone in re-uniting our bond and strengthening the core aims of the establishment of the association by our founding fathers.

“It promotes an invaluable platform for fostering the development of lawyers and for addressing socio-economic, cultural, and legal issues affecting its members.

“When this administration came on board, we desired the reunification of lawyers of Yoruba extraction to claim our rightful place in the NBA, re-unite members, and empower the young members to attain greater heights in the legal profession, which is in tandem with the aims and objectives of this great body.”

In her remarks, the first Nigerian female lawyer and first Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Folake Solanke, charged the authorities of Egbe Amofin O’Odua to reach out to young lawyers in order to protect Yoruba interests.

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