18th September 2023
In response to recent controversies that have surfaced within the Nigerian Bar Association, Ikeja Branch, the Executive Committee has issued a statement to address the issues and provide clarity on the matters at hand.
Halilu Muhammed Obatemi’s Disciplinary Petition:
One of the issues discussed in the statement is a disciplinary petition submitted by Mr. Halilu Muhammed Obatemi, Esq., against his former boss, Mr. James Ononiwu, Esq. Mr. Obatemi alleged that Mr. Ononiwu had refused to pay him salary arrears and money owed. The petition was received by the Branch Secretariat on 5th September 2023.
The Executive Committee emphasized that they take the welfare of their members seriously and assured that Mr. Obatemi’s petition would be considered fairly by the Branch Disciplinary Committee in accordance with the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee Rules.
The statement also clarified that there is no special relationship between Mr. Ononiwu and the Chairman of the Branch, Oluwaseyi Olawumi, Esq., beyond being co-members of the same Branch. Contrary to Mr. Obatemi’s claim, Mr. Olawumi did not attend the University of Lagos (Unilag) nor was he a “junior” to Mr. Ononiwu.
Removal of “Monsieur Avril” from Official WhatsApp Platform:
The second issue addressed in the statement involved the removal of a participant known as “Monsieur Avril” (real name Onyeka April Osakwe) from one of the official WhatsApp platforms of the Branch due to a violation of the platform’s rules. “Monsieur Avril” had posted a news link with a comment that was deemed to contravene the platform’s rules.
The Executive Committee clarified that the rules governing the official WhatsApp platforms of the Branch are in place to ensure mutual respect among members and to maintain decorum. The rules emphasize that discussions on these platforms should be law-related and avoid political conflict or offensive content.
In response to his removal, “Monsieur Avril” accused the Branch of tribal bigotry, which the Executive Committee strongly denied, asserting that their actions and considerations are not influenced by religious, tribal, or racial factors.
The statement also revealed that “Monsieur Avril” had been removed from the platform in the past but was reinstated after expressing remorse. The Committee urged members to disregard the accusations made by him and emphasized that his conduct is unbecoming of a Legal Practitioner.
The Executive Committee of the NBA Ikeja branch reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the integrity of the Branch and the legal profession, urging all colleagues to conduct themselves in a manner befitting the noble profession.
The Nigerian Bar Association, Ikeja Branch, expressed its gratitude to its members and reaffirmed its dedication to promoting professionalism and ethics within the legal community.
See the said Press Statement below:
