Salaudeen Toluwalase (Esq.) has been inaugurated as the sixth Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Saki Branch, following his victory in the branch’s election, with a pledge to strengthen unity among members, promote professional development and advance the administration of justice.
Toluwalase and other newly elected executive members were sworn into office on Friday at the Oyo State High Court premises in Saki. The oath of office was administered by the Registrar of the Grade A Customary Court in Oyo State, Mr. Hassan Adejumobi.
The inauguration and handover ceremony drew legal practitioners from across the Oke-Ogun region, alongside registrars of the High Court, Customary Court and Family Court in Saki, as well as family members, friends and well-wishers.
In his acceptance speech, Toluwalase expressed appreciation to members of the association for the confidence reposed in him, assuring them that his administration would uphold the ideals of the legal profession and contribute meaningfully to the justice sector.
He outlined the priorities of his administration to include fostering unity and harmony within the branch, improving members’ welfare, promoting the professional growth of young lawyers, supporting the administration of justice, and defending the rule of law as well as the independence of the legal profession.
According to him, sustained cooperation among members would enable the branch to overcome its challenges and attain greater heights.
Earlier, the immediate past Chairman, Alhaji Kamordeen Adegoke, formally handed over the symbol of office to his successor and thanked members for their trust and support throughout his three-year tenure.
He described the elevation of three members to the rank of Notary Public as one of the major achievements of his administration, alongside other initiatives that enhanced the profile of the branch within the NBA.
Adegoke urged members to give the new leadership maximum support and work collectively towards the long-envisioned construction of a befitting Bar Centre, stressing that the development of the association remained a collective responsibility.
Administering the oath of office, Adejumobi congratulated the new executives and charged them to uphold integrity, transparency, accountability and fairness in the discharge of their responsibilities.
He also commended past leaders of the branch, particularly its pioneer Chairman, the late Chief Olawuwo Siyanbola, for laying a solid foundation for the association.
Adejumobi advised Toluwalase to embrace inclusive leadership by consulting widely with members of the executive council rather than taking unilateral decisions, noting that such an approach would ensure a successful and enduring legacy.
Other members of the newly inaugurated executive committee are Barrister Adegoke Ilias Adekunle (Vice Chairman), Barrister Saliu Wahab (General Secretary), Barrister Abdulbakai Okeola (Financial Secretary), Barrister Prince Bola Jolaade (Treasurer), Barrister Babatunde Ami (Provost), Barrister Fatai Ibrahim (Assistant General Secretary), Barrister A.O. Okewole (Social Secretary), Barrister Muhammed Hamzat (Public Relations Officer), and Barrister B. Abdulwasiu (Welfare Secretary).
Participants at the ceremony described the peaceful transition as a reflection of the NBA Saki Branch’s commitment to democratic values, professional excellence and the continuous growth of the association.
By Shola Ailako and Deji Mike, Oke-Ogun
Edited: By Salam Saheed