Oyo Deputy Governor Lawal Promotes NBA Unity in 2026

On October 5, 2026, during the Special Thanksgiving Service marking the commencement of the 2026/2027 Legal Year of the Oyo State Judiciary, Deputy Governor Barrister Adebayo Lawal, representing Governor Seyi Makinde, assured commitment to fostering harmony among branches of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Oyo State. Lawal expressed concern over divisions within the Bar and called for judges and senior lawyers to help resolve these issues.

This intervention followed the NBA, Ibadan Branch's boycott of judiciary-organized activities due to their Chairman, Adekola Kareem, being allegedly prevented from speaking at the official ceremony. The branch held a parallel event at the Aare Afe Babalola SAN Bar Centre.

Lawal emphasized the government's respect for judicial financial autonomy, the welfare of judicial officers, and investment in court infrastructure. He also urged the Bar and Bench to resist politicization of the courts and highlighted the importance of handling pre-election matters with neutrality as the 2027 general elections approach.