Oyo govt pledges harmony among NBA branches

The Oyo State Government has pledged to ensure lasting harmony among branches of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, in the state and reaffirmed its commitment to a strong, independent and well-resourced judiciary.

Deputy Governor, Barrister Adebayo Lawal, gave the assurance on Monday in Ibadan at the Special Thanksgiving Service marking the commencement of the 2026/2027 Legal Year of the State Judiciary.

Lawal, who represented Governor Seyi Makinde, said the government was concerned about the division within the Bar and would work towards a permanent solution.

“The government seeks harmony among the NBA in the state. The Bar must conduct itself as leaders in society and ensure tolerance and understanding among its members,” he said.

He appealed to judges, Senior Advocates of Nigeria and senior lawyers to intervene and resolve the rift.

The Deputy Governor’s intervention came as the NBA, Ibadan Branch, boycotted activities organised by the judiciary for the new legal year.

In a statement on Sunday by its Publicity Secretary, Raheed Khan, the branch said its members unanimously resolved to boycott the judiciary’s programme after its Chairman, Adekola Kareem, was allegedly prevented from delivering an address at the official ceremony.

The branch subsequently held a parallel ceremony at the Aare Afe Babalola SAN Bar Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan.

The Legal Year thanksgiving was held simultaneously, with the Christian service at St. James Cathedral Church, Oke-Bola, and the Muslim service at the Oyo State Judiciary Mosque within the High Court premises.

Speaking at the Muslim service, Lawal said the Makinde administration would continue to respect the financial autonomy of the judiciary, improve the welfare of judicial officers and staff, and invest in court infrastructure and technology, including electronic filing and virtual hearings.

He described the new legal year as a moment of reflection, rededication and renewal, and commended the Chief Judge, Justice Iyabo Yerima, and other judges for their industry and integrity in the outgoing year.

Lawal said the rule of law is the covenant that binds the governed and the government, noting that where it is respected, investment thrives and citizens have confidence in institutions.

He warned the Bar and Bench to jointly resist attempts to turn courts into instruments of political convenience through forum shopping, abuse of ex parte orders and multiplicity of suits on the same subject matter.

Speaking on the 2027 general elections, he noted that the legal year would be lived in the shadow of elections, following assent to the Electoral Act 2026 on February 18, 2026, which fixed the Presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027 and the Governorship elections for February 6, 2027.

He urged judges to handle pre-election matters with dispatch and neutrality within the timelines prescribed by Section 285 of the Constitution.

He also referred to the Constitution (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026 on State Police, transmitted to State Assemblies in September 2026, saying Oyo had long advocated decentralised policing and urging the Bench and Bar to study the framework ahead of its ratification.

Lawal added that the process for the appointment of new judges was at an advanced stage to reduce caseload, strengthen judicial divisions in Ibadan, Ibarapa, Ogbomoso, Oke-Ogun and Oyo, and decongest correctional centres.

Speaking shortly after the Christian service, the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima, expressed gratitude to God for steady progress since her appointment.

“To God be the glory. It has been wonderful. Since Almighty God made me the Chief Judge, it has been from one level to another. I appreciate my brother judges for cooperating with me,” she said.

“I want to thank the Oyo State Government for supporting us and giving us what is due to us, especially with regard to infrastructure. You can see that all our courts are having a new look. If you go to Iyaganku and Ring Road, everywhere is being improved.”

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She said with more judges now on the bench, justice delivery had become faster, complemented by the Oyo State Multi-Door Courthouse, which promotes mediation.

On the boycott by NBA Ibadan, Yerima said, “I mind my business, and this is my business. They should be more efficient this year and stop asking for unnecessary adjournments. Most times, people think judges and the courts are responsible for delays. That is not true. When you come to court ready with your case, the judges are also ready.”

Also speaking, the Chief Imam of Oluyole Extension, Alhaji Mudashir Bada, charged judges to dispense justice without fear or favour, saying justice is the foundation of peace.

Quoting Quran Chapter 6 verse 67, the cleric urged politicians to avoid crisis ahead of the elections and to uphold humanity.