I wish to clarify the events that transpired at the Egbe Amofin O’odua meeting in 2018, during which the regional group deliberated on candidates to represent our Association in the upcoming elections.
After due consideration, and my sound records at the Bar, the regional Association endorsed me, Professor Foluke Dada-Lawanson, for the office of Second Vice President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
At the meeting, Mr. Dare Akande was advised to step aside to narrow down the number of contestants for the Second Vice President position.
I subsequently expressed my appreciation to the Egbe Amofin O’odua for taking that initiative, which I had not solicited.
It was Egbe’s noble way of seeking consensus and promoting candidates from the region, an effort vital for Egbe’s integrity and continued relevance.
My appreciation extended to both Egbe Amofin and Dare Akande for this unsolicited, yet seemingly favorable, gesture.
However, to my utter surprise, on election day, as I cast my vote, I was shocked to find Dare Akande’s name still on the ballot! At that point, all I could do was wish myself luck.
He had clearly refused to write the ECNBA to inform them of his withdrawal from the race or intimate the generality of the Bar of a sincere intention to withdraw from the race! Mr. Akande clearly remained in the race!
Verifiable records available to the ECNBA and other online sources confirm that myself, Dare Akande, Aikpokpo Martins, and Oji Benedict Nwosa all appeared on the ballot paper. You can view the attached record here: https://lawnigeria.com/2018/08/21/nigerian-bar-association-elects-new-leaders/
The votes allotted were as follows:
1. Dare Akande – 465 votes
2. Foluke Dada – 4242 votes
3. Aikpokpo Martins – 2819 votes
4. Oji Benedict Nwosa – 1634 votes
It is therefore concerning that a false narrative is being peddled within Egbe by some younger members and certain senior colleagues who appear to be deliberately spreading falsehoods or feigning ignorance of what transpired.
Some unethical members are also telling a misleading story to suit their own agenda. Regrettably, these Egbe platforms have become avenues for juniors to openly disrespect seniors and use profane language against very senior members of the Bar and other colleagues, all in the name of politics.
This clarification is essential to prevent any misunderstanding of my decision to remain decorous at the last Egbe Amofin O’odua meeting in Abeokuta on the 7th of August, 2025 where I chose not to engage Dare Akande when he falsely and boastfully asserted that he stepped down for me in 2018. I reiterate
Please note: The story that Dare Akande stepped down for me is far from the truth!
Thank you!
Prof. Foluke Dada-Lawanson, SJD, FICMC, MNIM, MSCGN, ABRl
