The leadership crisis rocking the Nigerian Bar Association’s Owerri Branch has taken a fresh turn after an Imo State High Court declined an application by branch chairman Mazi Udegbulem seeking to restrain a committee investigating the controversial ₦100 million gift from the Imo State Government.
Justice Mike Onyekachi, sitting at the High Court in Aboh Mbaise, directed Udegbulem to put the respondents on notice before the court considers his request for an order stopping the committee from proceeding with its investigation.
The court adjourned the matter to October 28, 2026, for hearing of the motion.
The decision leaves the application unresolved but means the chairman’s request for an immediate restraining order was not granted at that stage. The respondents will have an opportunity to answer the application before the court determines the issues raised.
Dispute over ₦100 million gift
The case stems from disagreements within the Owerri Branch over the receipt, management and disbursement of ₦100 million donated by the Imo State Government.
The controversy triggered demands from branch members for an account of how the funds were handled and culminated in an Extraordinary General Meeting on October 15.
At that meeting, Udegbulem relinquished his position presiding over proceedings concerning the allegations against him. Members subsequently dissolved an earlier committee and appointed a new five-member panel chaired by Chidi Nworka to investigate the funds.
The branch-level committee is expected to present its report at a general meeting scheduled for October 31, when members are also expected to consider the question of the chairman’s removal.
National NBA investigation runs alongside court case
The dispute has also drawn the attention of the NBA’s national leadership. NBA President Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, established a separate three-member committee comprising General Secretary Afam Okeke, Third Vice-President Iniobong Irene Pepple and Treasurer Esther Jimoh.
That panel is expected to submit its findings and recommendations by October 30.
The two investigations create a significant week ahead for the association: the state court is scheduled to hear Udegbulem’s application on October 28, the national committee is expected to report on October 30, and the Owerri Branch has scheduled its general meeting for October 31.
The immediate legal question is whether the court will grant the chairman’s request to restrain the branch committee. The broader dispute centres on the management of the funds, the authority of the committees and the branch’s leadership arrangements.
The court has not yet ruled on the substantive application.
Related LegalLinkz stories
behind Games Village, Abuja
5A, CGH, Games Village, Abuja