A new chapter has begun at the Nigerian Bar Association, Benin (Lion) Branch, following the inauguration of a new Executive Committee led by Omorodion Omoigui, Esq., as Chairman.
The newly elected officers were formally sworn into office on Monday, August 31, 2026, at the Constance Momoh Hall, NBA Benin Secretariat, commencing a two-year administration with a commitment to service, accountability, professional development and the Rule of Law.
The oath of office was administered by Hon. Justice A. T. Momodu, representing the Chief Judge of Edo State, Hon. Justice D. I. Okungbowa.
Before members of the Bar and Bench, the new officers pledged to faithfully discharge their responsibilities, uphold the Constitution of the Nigerian Bar Association and serve the interests of the Branch with integrity, diligence and professionalism.
The inauguration attracted distinguished members of the legal profession and judiciary, including Professor Roland Itoya Otaru, SAN, Edo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice; Stephen Okoror, Esq., Solicitor-General of Edo State; and former Chairmen of the Branch, including Chief Razak Isenalumhe, Bencher; Ede Asenoguan, Esq.; Prince Collins Benson Ogiegbaen, Esq.; and Pius Oiwoh, Esq.
In his farewell remarks, the immediate past Chairman, Idemudia Iredia Osifo, Esq., reflected on the achievements of his administration before formally handing over the leadership of the Lion Bar.
Osifo charged his successor to place service to the Bar above the pursuit of popularity, stressing that the Branch requires leadership with the courage, capacity and commitment to protect its collective interests.
Delivering his inaugural address, Omoigui unveiled a six-point agenda that will guide his administration over the next two years: Welfare; Unity and Inclusiveness; Transparency and Accountability; Capacity Building; Rule of Law; and Infrastructure and Digitalisation.
On welfare, the Chairman announced that lawyers of five years post-call and below, as well as members aged 70 years and above, would enjoy exemptions from dinner fees and Law Week registration, alongside other proposed health and welfare initiatives.
He also pledged to strengthen collaboration between senior and young lawyers through mentorship and greater inclusion across all segments of the Branch.
On transparency and accountability, the administration committed to presenting its budget and periodic financial reports at monthly meetings to ensure members are kept abreast of the financial affairs of the Branch.
Omoigui further placed continuous professional development at the centre of his agenda, promising specialised training, mentorship opportunities and increased exposure to emerging areas of practice, including business, investment and corporate law.
The new administration also made a strong declaration on the Rule of Law and institutional independence.
Omoigui said the Lion Bar would continue to hold public institutions accountable, speak truth to power without fear or favour and, at the same time, acknowledge government actions that advance constitutionalism and good governance.
He disclosed that the Branch would take appropriate legal steps concerning recent legislative actions by the Edo State House of Assembly which, according to the Branch, raise constitutional concerns over the independence of the Legislature and Judiciary.
The issue has already attracted concern within the Benin Bar over the implications of changes to Edo State’s financial autonomy framework for the Legislature and Judiciary.
On infrastructure, the Chairman announced plans to upgrade the NBA Benin Bar House into a more functional, modern and technologically equipped facility.
He also disclosed that committees would be constituted during the Branch’s September meeting to drive the implementation of the administration’s programmes.
With the inauguration completed, the Omorodion Omoigui-led Executive Committee has formally assumed responsibility for the affairs of the Lion Bar for the next two years.
The administration now carries the responsibility of translating its six-point agenda into measurable improvements in members’ welfare, professional development, institutional accountability and the defence of the Rule of Law.
The mandate is clear. The work has begun.
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