Remain corruption free- First female SAN urges lawyers

By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko 

The First Female Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Folake Solanke, has urged lawyers to remain corruption free in the discharge of their duties.

Solanke gave the advice on Monday at the 2024 Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ibadan's Law Week and 70th anniversary, with the theme "Law, Legal Practice and Development".

Solanke urged them to maintain their stand boldly without being bias as expected of them in the Legal profession.

She urged them to always be mindful of their appearance and look elegant to project the noble profession.

The 92-year-old Senior Advocate of Nigeria also urged lawyers to always maintain the culture of reading, despite the advent of technology.

"Never be tired of reading because it's very critical for your work and profession.

"Always remember that time is of essence, your appearance is extremely important, young lawyers especially should be industrious and follow the advice of the elderly ones.

"Our profession is a noble one and it must always be portrayed as such without fear or favouritism," Solanke said.

The Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), urged legal Practitioners to continue to play their pivotal roles in shaping the legal landscape of the nation.

Fagbemi remarked that NBA Ibadan was a beacon of legal practice and contributed significantly to nation building, justice delivery and promotion of human rights.

"The legacy of excellence, diligence and integrity that the bar upheld for the past seven decades is one that deserves to be celebrated by all Nigerians," he said.

The Oyo State Commissioner for Justice, Mr Abiodun Aikomo, implored the Ibadan bar to continue its excellent tradition and commitment to noble causes.

"70 long years after, the Ibadan bar remains a vibrant, influential branch with a strong commitment to promoting the rule of law, Justice and human rights in Nigeria.

"Persons who had their roots at the bar made impactful contributions to the Nigerian legal space as Attorneys General of the Federation, Attorneys General of states, judges of various courts up to the Supreme Court within and without Nigeria," he said.

Also, the Oyo State Chief Judge, Justice Iyabo Yerima, stressed the need for decorum to be restored in the Legal profession as it used to be in the olden days.

Yerima congratulated the NBA Ibadan for the laudable achievements in the last 70 years. (NAN)