Adegboruwa labelled the situation a “collective shame” and called on Bar elders to restore the association’s integrity
He also questioned the NBA’s reliance on government funds for its annual conference, noting that lawyers already pay practicing fees and conference costs
Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has demanded that the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) immediately return a N300 million donation from the Rivers State Government, calling it indefensible amid Nigeria’s economic hardship and the state’s democratic turmoil.
In a fiery statement released on April 16, 2025, Adegboruwa criticized the NBA for accepting the funds, arguing that it compromises the association’s role as a defender of justice.
“Lawyers are society’s conscience,” Adegboruwa declared. “The NBA cannot align with any government, especially when democracy is under threat in Rivers State.”
He proposed transferring the money to an escrow account with the Central Bank of Nigeria until democratic governance is restored. If already spent, he urged SANs and senior lawyers to contribute N1 million each to refund it.
Adegboruwa also questioned the NBA’s reliance on government funds for its annual conference, noting that lawyers already pay practicing fees and conference costs. He labeled the situation a “collective shame” and called on Bar elders to restore the association’s integrity.
The controversy coincides with the NBA’s decision to relocate its
2025 conference from Rivers State to Enugu, protesting President Bola
Tinubu’s appointment of retired naval officer Ibok-ete Ibas to replace
Governor Siminalayi Fubara on March 18, 2025.
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