Members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) of Ife extraction on Sunday, 11th January, 2025 converged in Ile-Ife for a fellowship and awards ceremony aimed at strengthening professional bonds, promoting mentorship and recognising outstanding contributions to the legal profession. The event, held at a venue behind First Foundation Nursery and Primary School, Parakin Area, brought together distinguished legal practitioners, academics, jurists, and notable dignitaries.
In his welcome address, the host, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and renowned legal scholar, Prof. Sola Olawoyin, expressed gratitude to God for the privilege of life and warmly welcomed participants from within Ife and beyond. He explained that the essence of the gathering was to provide a structured platform for lawyers of Ife origin, both at home and in the diaspora, to interact, identify common interests, and build enduring professional networks capable of fostering mutual support, career advancement and collective progress within the legal profession.
Also speaking, the Coordinator of Ife Lawyers, Prof. Abiola Sanni (SAN), who is also the Dean of the Faculty of Law, University of Lagos, commended the impressive turnout and applauded the host for his initiative. He encouraged more lawyers of Ife origin to identify with the forum, stressing that the gathering transcends social entertainment and is designed as a forum for purposeful engagement, mentorship, professional recognition, and knowledge-sharing, particularly between younger practitioners and senior members of the Bar.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Barr. Olalere Olaobaju, described the programme as a dignified and glamorous annual tradition that affords Ife indigene lawyers the opportunity to celebrate excellence and reflect on issues affecting both the legal profession and the Ife community. He noted that the event also serves to inspire the younger generation by celebrating members who have attained remarkable professional milestones, including elevation to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, judicial service, and academic distinction.
Highlights of the ceremony included the conferment of honours on distinguished personalities such as Hon. Justice Olukayode Jimi-Bada (PCA, Rtd.), Sola Ojutalayo (SAN), Omiwole Jimi-Bada (SAN), Olanrewaju Tesleem Akinsola (Onigegewura) as SAN and Bencher, Prof. Dorcas Adenaike, and Dr. Titilayo Onifade. Other eminent dignitaries in attendance included Queen Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi and Prof. Muibi Opeloye, whose presence further underscored the significance of the occasion.
