By Dayo Johnson, Akure
AKURE — The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has charged lawyers to uphold justice, protect citizens’ rights and strengthen the rule of law, stressing that no individual or institution should be above the law.
Fagbemi gave the charge on Saturday during the commissioning of the Kofo Salam-Alada Bar and Library Centre of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikare-Akoko branch, Ondo State.
He described the centre as a valuable addition to the legal profession, saying it would promote intellectual exchange, mentorship, collaboration and continuous legal education.
According to him, the responsibilities of lawyers extend beyond legal expertise to protecting individual rights, promoting peaceful coexistence and ensuring that justice remains fair, inclusive and accessible to all, irrespective of social status, financial background, ethnicity, religion or political affiliation.
“No individual or institution should be above the law, and everyone should be under the law to be protected,” the AGF said.
He urged the Ikare-Akoko branch to make the facility a centre for legal discourse, professional development, community service and ethical practice.
Fagbemi also called for closer collaboration among the Federal Ministry of Justice, the judiciary, the NBA and other stakeholders to strengthen justice institutions and safeguard judicial independence.
He encouraged lawyers to embrace technology, continuous learning and high ethical standards, urging them to use the centre to expand access to justice, particularly for vulnerable groups.
The AGF congratulated the honouree, Kofo Salam-Alada, a former Chief Director of Legal Services at the Central Bank of Nigeria, whom he described as a distinguished professional whose contributions had positively impacted Ikare-Akoko and Akoko land in general.
Speaking at the event, a former NBA President, Afam Osigwe, SAN, said dissent and criticism were essential to democracy, provided they did not incite violence or advocate an unlawful change of government.
Osigwe called for a level playing field ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure transparency and credibility in the electoral process.
The Chairman of the NBA Ikare-Akoko branch, Omotan Ogunmodede, said the centre would ease the challenges faced by young lawyers by providing free access to books and research materials.
He added that the facility would also provide a meeting place for lawyers who lacked offices to receive their clients.
Responding, Salam-Alada said his commitment to Akoko was driven by his love for the community and desire to give back.
He disclosed that the centre was built by friends and mentees who had benefited from his support over the years, adding that he was humbled by the decision to name the facility after him.
“I did not build it. Friends built it. I never expected it. I’ve never seen myself as special,” he said.
A former Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly and pioneer chairman of the NBA Ikare-Akoko branch, Rt. Hon. Taofeeq Abdulsalam, commended the initiative, noting that Salam-Alada’s goodwill had mobilised widespread support for the project.
Abdulsalam said the event had brought together traditional rulers and prominent sons and daughters of Akoko, expressing hope that the initiative would promote greater unity in the area.
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