Ilorin NBA Election: Abikan, Akande, Adeyemi jostle for Manzuma’s seat
By Kayode Adeoti
How time flies. It appears just like yesterday when Barrister Issah Manzuma was sworn-in as chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ilorin branch. But now, his tenure is fast approaching its end, hence, the bar is warming up to welcome another aeon of administration.
Manzuma, who assumed leadership of the association on 26th January, 2016 will be relinquishing the seat by June 2018 after he might have completed his two years tenure. Worthy of note is the song on the lips of many legal juggernauts in the state of the feat and honour the ‘old mature man’ as he is fondly referenced, has brought to the association.
The germane question now is; who succeeds him after he goes the way of his predecessors. To unravel this mystery, Pilot Law went round to town and gathered that interested legal practitioners from the state Ministry of Justice, private chambers and academics have been making concerted effort towards seizing the mantle for the next two years.
This medium reliably learnt that no fewer than three practitioners have registered interest for the noble seat. Among them is Muhammed Idowu Akande who is popular among his colleagues in the profession as ‘MAI’. He bagged his LL.B from the University of Ilorin in 2001 and was subsequently called to the Nigerian Bar in 2003. He also obtained his LL.M from the same institution in August 2014. After his brief legal practice in Kaduna, he returned to Ilorin where he joined Ministry of Justice in April 2006. He was the Secretary of the NBA when Mobolaji Ojibara was chairman of the association.
Reflecting on his strength, Akande, according to testimonies of his friends, is a force to reckon with having sacrificed immensely to ensure the peace current administration is enjoying. Akande alongside Akin Akintoye II and one other contested against Manzuma in 2016 but later stepped down having ceded to the compelling advice of the Elders Forum. It was on record that Akande lured other contenders to back out of the contest. It is however said that he has the wherewithal to run for the office being very popular legal luminary in town who is referenced as a man of the people. Another attribute reportedly making Akande, a focus in the contest is his inimitable sense of dressing which was described as a charm that never cease to attract luck to him.
On his weakness, though Akande is described as a fantastic lawyer, but as observed, his lack of team work may work against him in the contest. It was gathered that when he vied for the position of the secretary, he singularly did his campaign, thereby limiting himself to one group. It is however said that the legal luminary is trending that path again giving inkling that he would not want anyone alluding to his success, if he eventually emerge as Chairman of the association. How far this luck will take him? Only the future will decide.
Another notable figure that has registered interest in the NBA chairmanship is Dr. Abdulqadri Ibrahim Abikan. He had his first degree in Law at Bayero University, Kano in 1997 and was subsequently called to Bar in 1999. He proceeded to Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife in 2003 where he acquired LL.M certificate. He had his Ph.D in Malaysia in 2007. Abikan, a one-time Dean, Faculty of Law, an Associate Professor and a current Head of Department, Islamic Studies, University of Ilorin has always indicated interest in the seat, though he decided not to surface during the last election that produced Manzuma.
On his strength, being a ‘gentleman’ with wealth of experience to manage legal affairs as well as people, these attributes may count in his favour. He is regarded as someone who have grounded knowledge of the bar being Vice Chairman to Rafiu Balogun between 2011 and 2013. He was also the major contender against Ojibara.
On his weakness, Abikan’s chances seems slim as some members still nurse grudge against former Chairman, whom he deputised during his tenure. It was alleged that Balogun invited Abikan to succeed him in order to cover up his tracks. This perception was regarded as one of the forces that led to his defeat (Abikan) when he contested against Ojibara.
Another factor that could militate against him is the difficulty inherent in combining academics with NBA affairs, being the current HOD, Islamic Law, Unilorin. Though, it is all left in the hands of those that will vote.
In the same vein, a former Federation of International Women Lawyers (FIDA) chairperson, Ronke Adeyemi is also said to be coming up for the seat but has gathered she hasn’t officially declare her ambition.
have officially declare her ambition.
Going by history, Manzuma is the 20th NBA chairman of Ilorin branch since Nigeria’s independence. The first chairman was late Chief Akin Akintoye I who came on board in 1967, and served till 1977. Next was Late Akanbi Mahmoud Oniyangi, he took up the mantle in 1977 and was in office till 1979.
In the same vein, Chief Ayo Jonathan served from 1979 to 1981, Chief Peter Olorunnisola, SAN, who came on board during second republic ruled between 1981 and 1983. Late M.O.A Sanni, SAN, joined the league in 1983 but left in 1986. Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, was chairman between 1986 and 1988. The onetime Kwara State Attorney- General and Commissioner for Justice, Chief Bayo Ojo, SAN, held the position from 1988-1990, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, took over and eventually led the association from 1990-1991. Late M.S ‘Lai Adegboye followed and held the position from 1991-1992 & 1999
Hon. Justice Lambo Akanbi (Rtd) was there from 1992-1995, Adebayo Adelodun, (SAN) followed from 1995-1997. Chief Lawal-Rabana, SAN, 1997-1999, Saka Isau, SAN, 2000-2001, Joseph Bamigboye, SAN, 2001-2003. He also served as caretaker between Oct.2015 and Jan.2016. Prof. Wahab Egbewole also served between 2003 and 2005, Kehinde Eleja, SAN,’s tenure ended 2007 after he resumed in 2005. Prof. Muhammed Akanbi was in-charge from 2007 to 2009, Salman Jawondo also held the position in 2009 till 2011. Chief Rafiu Balogun also piloted the NBA affairs in 2011 till 2013. The immediate predecessor of Manzuma, Mobolaji Ojibara headed the NBA from 2013 -2015.