Joyce Oduah
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has nullified the ratification of the the suspension of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA’s General Secretary, Madam Joyce Oduah by the National Executive Council, NEC of the Association.
A nine member executive officers of the association had last Friday August 19, 2022 announced the temporary suspension of Ms Oduah, saying it would leave the matter to NEC the next Sunday, August 21, to determine the fate of the General Secretary. Meanwhile, Oduah, through his lawyer, Ayotunde Ogunleye had challenged her suspension, asking the court for an interim order to void the suspension.
Rather than granting the order, Justice A.R Mohammed directed that she should put the other party on notice and adjourned till today, August 23, 2022.
Rather than wait for the decision, the matter was tabled before NEC on Sunday, and after a series of heated arguments, NEC ratified the suspension.
Several lawyers had criticized the ratification, calling it illegal and therefore void. One of such is notable senior lawyer, Mr Jubrin Okutepa SAN, who accused the NBA leadership of flouting the rule of law by constituting themselves as complainant, and the judge.
At the resumed hearing today, the court sets aside the NBA NEC’s decision on the Suspension of Oduah after hearing the arguments Ayotunde Ogunleye Esq leading more than 20 other legal practitioners for Oduah. The Court declared the action of the NBA NEC as Null and Void.
The Court further decried the actions of the NBA President, Olumide Akpata which it described as an affront to the rule of Law.
The Court has adjourned the case to 31st August 2022 for hearing of the Plaintiff’s interlocutory injunction and granted service by substituted means on the 3rd to 11th Defendants.
However, when the matter came up today, Justice Mohammed set aside the NEC ratification and reinstated Ms Oduah back to office.
The judge held that the action of the Akpata led officers constitute an affront on the rule of law and therefore, void.
He adjourned the suit till August 30 and directed the defendants should be served court papers through substituted service.
