On Tuesday, the 22nd of April 2025, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Nyanya/Karu Branch, witnessed a historic and highly charged general meeting during which members overwhelmingly passed a vote of no confidence on the Branch Chairman, Sir Augustin Ibolo, and his entire Executive Committee.
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The sacking of the Executive Committee followed months of unresolved allegations of financial misappropriation and autocratic leadership that had plunged the Branch into persistent crises. The meeting, held at the usual venue, was attended by a large number of members who expressed deep frustration over the conduct of the now-ousted Chairman.
Invocation of the Uniform Bye-Law
Citing Article 10 of the Uniform Bye-Laws of the NBA, which provides for the establishment of a Caretaker Committee in times of crisis, the members unanimously agreed that the actions and style of Sir Ibolo had rendered the Executive Committee incapable of properly managing the Branch’s affairs. The provision states:
“Where a Branch is enmeshed in a crisis that makes it impracticable for the Branch Executive Committee to function or for the Branch to conduct elections, an emergency meeting of the Branch shall be convened within 30 days of the occurrence of such crisis to appoint a Caretaker Committee to administer the affairs of the Branch in the interim.”
Allegations Against the Chairman
Several grave allegations were tabled against Sir Ibolo, including:
- Financial Impropriety: Allegedly raising ₦2,000,000 for a Young Lawyers’ lounge and ₦5,000,000 during the 2024 Law Week for the purchase of a branch bus—funds which remain unaccounted for.
- Non-Transparency: Refusal to subject Branch accounts to audit since the inception of his tenure.
- Misuse of Member Contributions: Allegedly diverting contributions made by members intending to support young lawyers for Branch dues and Bar Practice Fees (BPF).
- Abuse of Meeting Sponsorships: Mandating meeting sponsors to pay between ₦300,000 and ₦500,000 into his personal account, while members were served minimal refreshments.
Manipulation of Communication and Meetings
Sir Ibolo was further accused of:
- Gagging members on the Branch’s WhatsApp platform by removing dissenting voices and monopolizing administration.
- Manipulating meeting times and formats to avoid scrutiny—rescheduling physical meetings unexpectedly or resorting to virtual meetings to control participation.
- Recognizing only loyalists or non-Branch members during meetings, while denying genuine Branch members the opportunity to speak.
March Meeting Minutes Controversy
The final straw came during the April general meeting when the minutes of the March virtual meeting were read. Members noted:
- False reports, misquotations, and grave omissions.
- The unauthorized inclusion of resolutions such as power rotation and constitution of an Electoral Committee (ELECO), which was allegedly formed and sworn in unilaterally by the Chairman.
- The ELECO Chairman, unknown to most members and the Branch Vice-Chairman, confessed to being “begged” from another branch and did not consider it necessary to be a Branch member.
The Final Showdown
During the heated meeting, Sir Ibolo attempted to push for the adoption of the controversial minutes. His efforts were resisted, even by one of his perceived allies, Mr. Eta Ita, who described the minutes as “grossly and intolerably defective.” When Mazi Echika, Esq., a respected Bar man, rose to speak in favor of rejecting the minutes, Sir Ibolo interjected and prevented him from continuing—igniting widespread anger among attendees.
Realizing he had lost the floor, Sir Ibolo and some Executive members abruptly left the venue. This act was perceived as cowardly and disrespectful by the members.
Vote of No Confidence and New Leadership
Following the walkout, a motion for a vote of no confidence was moved, seconded, and overwhelmingly adopted by the Branch. A second motion was then passed to constitute a Caretaker Committee in line with the NBA Bye-Laws.
The newly appointed Caretaker Committee includes:
- Morris Osakwe, Esq. – Chairman
- Raymond Asika, Esq. – Secretary
- Sophia Tanko Freeman – Member
A New Dawn for the Branch
The Caretaker Chairman has urged all members to exit the previous WhatsApp platform locked down by Sir Ibolo and migrate to the newly created platform. Members previously removed from the group are encouraged to rejoin the active platform. The Chairman also promised to release electoral guidelines and a timetable for Branch elections in the coming days.
Conclusion
The jubilation that greeted the removal of the Ibolo-led Executive Committee was a clear indication of relief and renewed hope among members. The Branch has now begun a fresh chapter focused on unity, transparency, and restoring confidence in its leadership.
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