The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Remuneration Committee has issued a strong commendation to the leadership of the NBA Abeokuta Branch (NBA-ABK) for its decisive and proactive enforcement campaign, which culminated in the recent arraignment of six individuals for the unlawful preparation of Sale of Land Agreements.
This landmark action, spearheaded by Branch Chairman Chief Kayode Aderemi and Remuneration Committee Chairman Mr. Kizito Roberts, is being celebrated at the national level as a model for defending the integrity of the legal profession and safeguarding the public interest.
Sanctity of the Bar Upheld
The six defendants were arraigned before the Chief Magistrate Court, Isabo, Abeokuta, on a four-count charge for violating the provisions of the Land Instrument Preparation Law of Ogun State 2006. This bold step directly addresses the issue of unauthorized practice of law, which not only deprives qualified lawyers of due remuneration but also exposes unsuspecting citizens to fraudulent transactions and serious litigation risks.
The NBA Remuneration Committee recognizes this move as a tangible commitment to the welfare and professional accountability of its members. The crackdown reinforces the core mandate of the Bar, ensuring that registrable legal instruments—documents that affect fundamental property rights—are prepared only by those duly called to the Bar and subject to the highest ethical standards.
The Branch leadership’s assertion that they will “no longer fold its arms while quacks and impostors drag the noble profession into disrepute” resonates deeply with the Committee’s commitment to enforcement under the Legal Practitioners Remuneration Order (LPRO) 2023.
A Call for Nationwide Emulation
The success recorded by the NBA Abeokuta Branch serves as a clarion call and a practical roadmap for all other Branches across the Federation.
The Remuneration Committee urges every Branch Chairman and Remuneration Committee to emulate the Abeokuta model by establishing strategic collaborations with local law enforcement and judicial authorities to actively investigate and prosecute illegal practitioners.
Proactive enforcement is the crucial next step following the national campaign, “You Worked for It, Earn It.” When Branches actively defend their jurisdictional territory from quacks, they simultaneously enforce minimum fees as stipulated in the LPRO, creating a healthier economic environment for legal practitioners.
The use of Whistleblowers, as noted by the NBA-ABK, is particularly commendable, demonstrating an effective, community-driven approach to rooting out these atrocities.
The NBA Remuneration Committee remains committed to continuous advocacy and technological support to ensure the LPRO is enforced effectively, but true success rests on the proactive vigilance of Branch leadership across the country.
Emeka J. P. Obegolu, SAN
Chair, NBA Remuneration Committee
Rachael Princewill
Secretary, NBA Remuneration Committee
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