A move to remove the Chairman of NBA Owerri Branch over questions surrounding ₦100 million received from the Imo State Government has opened a second dispute: whether the impeachment itself complied with the NBA Uniform Bye-Law.
A controversy has emerged within the Nigerian Bar Association, Owerri Branch, following the reported removal of its Chairman, Dr. Mazi Udegbulem, amid questions over the expenditure of ₦100 million received from the Imo State Government.
The removal reportedly occurred during the Branch’s Monthly General Meeting on Saturday.
According to TheNigeriaLawyer, the ₦100 million formed part of ₦350 million reportedly provided by the Imo State Government to the six NBA branches in Imo State ahead of the 2026 NBA Annual General Conference.
NBA Owerri was reportedly allocated ₦100 million, while five other branches received ₦50 million each.
Questions subsequently arose over the use of the Owerri Branch’s allocation, including reported expenditure on solar facilities, air-conditioning units, seats and other improvements at the Bar Centre.
The issue, however, has now developed beyond the expenditure itself.
Former NBA Owerri Branch Secretary Chinedu Agu has challenged the procedure adopted for Udegbulem’s removal, arguing that it failed to comply with Article 13 of the NBA Uniform Bye-Law for Branches.
Agu said a removal proposal must be in writing, state the grounds relied upon, carry the signatures of at least five financial members and reach the Branch Secretary at least 21 days before the General Meeting.
He further maintained that the affected officer must receive written notice at least 14 days before the meeting and that removal requires a two-thirds majority of financial members present and voting.
The available reporting does not establish that Udegbulem personally diverted or misappropriated any part of the ₦100 million. The dispute presently concerns the purpose and authorisation of expenditure and the validity of the procedure adopted for his removal.
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Source: TheNigeriaLawyer
