Mr Adekola Kareem has been sworn in as the new Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ibadan Branch, alongside eight other executive members, with a pledge to prioritise members’ welfare, protect the dignity of lawyers and deliver a transformative administration.
Kareem, who emerged victorious in the June 6, 2026 NBA Ibadan Branch election, was inaugurated on Saturday at the Afe Babalola Bar Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan.
The nine-member executive committee was administered the oath of office by Justice Bayo Taiwo of the Oyo State High Court.
Other officials sworn in were Dr Olusola Olorunfemi as Vice Chairman, Mr David Adejorin as Secretary, Mr Raheed Khan as Publicity Secretary, Mr Idrees Openiyi as Financial Secretary, Miss Tijesunimi Olugbinle as Social Secretary, Miss Mofeyisara Ajao as Assistant Secretary, Mr Temiloluwa Morakinyo as Treasurer and Miss Timisola Adebisi as Welfare Secretary.
In his inaugural address, Kareem described his election victory as a responsibility to fulfil the promises made during his campaign.
He said the confidence reposed in him by members placed a burden on his administration to translate campaign promises into tangible results.
“The journey was arduous but fulfilling because of the confidence and support of members. Our administration will be built on results, productivity and measurable impact rather than rhetoric or empty promises,” he said.
The new chairman pledged full commitment to the implementation of his campaign agenda, assuring members that every executive member would be supported to pursue programmes and initiatives capable of transforming the branch.
Kareem announced plans to establish the branch cooperative society, beginning with a revolving loan scheme aimed at easing members’ financial challenges.
He also disclosed that the administration would develop a framework for insurance coverage for members of the branch.
The chairman promised to pursue improved remuneration and better working conditions for lawyers while condemning acts of intimidation, harassment and victimisation against legal practitioners.
“The days when legal practitioners are subjected to humiliation, intimidation, harassment or victimisation must come to an end,” he said.
According to him, the branch would respond appropriately to any form of harassment, whether from judicial officers, law enforcement agencies or anti-corruption agencies.
“This administration will stand firmly in defence of the dignity and independence of the legal profession. We shall ensure that the voice and influence of lawyers continue to be profoundly felt throughout Ibadan and beyond,” Kareem added.
He further declared zero tolerance for quackery and pledged to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to eliminate impostors posing as legal practitioners.
Kareem also reiterated his commitment to building an inclusive bar, promising to reconnect with lawyers who have become disengaged from branch activities.
In his handover remarks, the immediate past chairman, Mr Ibrahim Lawal, disclosed that his administration was leaving more than N50 million in the branch’s coffers.
Lawal said his team was also handing over a united and purposeful bar, expressing confidence that the new administration would further advance the fortunes of the association.
