NBA Ibadan has announced a boycott of Oyo Judiciary’s 2026/2027 New Legal Year ceremony over the reported exclusion of its chairman’s address.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ibadan Branch, has announced a boycott of activities organised by the Oyo State Judiciary to mark the 2026/2027 New Legal Year.
The branch said the decision was reached unanimously at its general meeting on Saturday, following deliberations on recent administrative directives by the leadership of the Oyo State Judiciary.
According to the branch’s Publicity Secretary, Raheed Muhammad-Ali Khan, the decision was principally prompted by the reported exclusion of the NBA Ibadan chairman, Adekola Kareem, from delivering an address at the Judiciary’s New Legal Year ceremony.
The NBA branch said it considers the Bench and Bar to be co-equal custodians of the rule of law and described the annual New Legal Year ceremony as an opportunity for accountability, reflection and constructive engagement.
It said the NBA chairman’s address traditionally provides an avenue for the Bar to raise systemic concerns and make recommendations on improving the administration of justice.
The branch described the reported decision to exclude the address as an affront to the Bar’s role in the justice system.
It said remaining silent over what it described as the marginalisation of the Bar could create a precedent for the legal profession.
Rather than participate in the Judiciary’s programme, the NBA Ibadan Branch said it would organise its own New Legal Year ceremony.
The alternative event is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Monday, October 5, at the Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, Bar Centre, NTC Road, Ibadan.
The branch directed participating lawyers to attend fully robed in wigs and gowns.
The NBA said its decision to hold a separate ceremony was intended to reaffirm the Bar’s independence and its role in discussions concerning the administration of justice.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Judiciary scheduled its own 2026/2027 New Legal Year Service for Monday.
The Judiciary’s programme was scheduled to take place simultaneously at the Cathedral of St. James, Oke-Bola, Ibadan, and the Oyo State Judiciary Mosque at the High Court premises, Ring Road, Ibadan.
The development effectively places the NBA Ibadan Branch’s independent ceremony alongside the Judiciary’s official programme as the new legal year begins.
The controversy centres on the role of the Bar chairman at the ceremony, with the NBA maintaining that the Bar should have an opportunity to present its observations on the justice system.
The Oyo State Judiciary’s position on the NBA’s boycott was not contained in the statement announcing the branch’s decision.
The NBA Ibadan Branch said its members would remain united in defending what it considers its professional role and voice within the administration of justice.
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