Legal practitioner and former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) presidential aspirant, Tobenna Erojikwe, has endorsed Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe (SAN) for the office of President of the Nigerian Bar Association, describing him as the candidate with the experience, leadership capacity and proven record required to lead the association at a critical time.
In a detailed endorsement statement, Erojikwe said his decision was based on his firsthand understanding of the demands of the NBA presidency and his experience working closely with Akangbe in the administration of the NBA Lagos Branch.
According to him, the office of NBA President requires more than campaign promises, stressing that it demands clear vision, disciplined execution, institutional leadership and the ability to effectively serve the association’s nationwide membership.
Erojikwe recalled serving as Chairman of the NBA Lagos Branch Continuing Professional Development Committee and as a co-opted member of the Branch Executive Committee during Akangbe’s tenure as Chairman of the NBA Lagos Branch.
He said Akangbe distinguished himself through strategic planning, effective administration and a strong commitment to the welfare of lawyers.
Highlighting Akangbe’s achievements while leading the Lagos Branch, Erojikwe cited the introduction of virtual meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic, the establishment of an affordable health insurance scheme for members, the creation of the Branch Remuneration Committee, sponsorship of 100 lawyers for Associateship of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb), and the implementation of welfare programmes that provided financial assistance and food support to lawyers affected by the pandemic.
According to Erojikwe, these initiatives demonstrate Akangbe’s ability to build sustainable institutions, manage crises and deliver measurable results within defined timelines.
He maintained that the NBA presidency is not a position for experimentation but one that requires a leader with a proven record of performance.
“The presidency of the NBA is not a learning opportunity. It is a two-year mandate with no room for on-the-job training,” he stated.
Erojikwe further described Akangbe’s manifesto as practical and implementation-driven, particularly its proposals on digital transformation, member welfare, access to finance, remuneration, health insurance and the protection of lawyers’ professional interests.
He noted that initiatives such as the proposed NBA One Platform, e-Remuneration system, improved welfare for young lawyers and expanded health insurance were built on practical experience rather than theoretical promises.
Concluding his endorsement, Erojikwe said Akangbe’s record of service, leadership experience and vision for the association make him the most qualified candidate to lead the NBA.
“The difference between a vision and a track record is the difference between a promise and a receipt. Yemi Akangbe comes with receipts,” he said.
He added that his endorsement was based on years of observing Akangbe’s leadership style and expressed confidence in his ability to build a stronger, more responsive and member-focused Nigerian Bar Association.