March 31, (THEWILL) – Wole Olanipekun, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, has emerged as the new Chairman of the Body of Benchers.
The Body of Benchers is a professional body concerned with the admission of prospective students into the Nigerian Law School. The body also regulates the call of Law School graduates to the Nigerian Bar and the regulation of the legal profession in Nigeria.
Apparently, the petition sent by a lawyer, Lucius Nwosu, SAN on February 17, 2022 to the Nigerian Bar Association president, Olumide Akpata, to withdraw Olanipekun’s candidacy, went unattended as Olanipekun, who was previously the Vice Chairman of the body, today, assumed office as the 50th Chairman of the Body.
Nwosu accused Olanipekun of engaging in unprofessional conduct contrary to the provisions of section 3 of the Legal Practitioners Act Cap L 11, which provides that a Body Of Benchers member should be of the highest distinction in the legal profession. According to him, Olanipekun has unfortunately, over the years, progressively carried on a practice, which has culminated in his condemnation in unanimous decisions of the Supreme Court and final court of the land in the strongest of terms.
Nwosu further urged Akpata to avoid a situation, where the tragic occurrence of having Olanipekun emerge as chairman of the body will be ascribed to his tenure.
Olanipekun takes over from Honourable Justice Olabode Rhodes-Vivour, CON, JSC (Rtd.), the immediate past Chairman of the body.
In his acceptance speech, Olanipekun expressed his humility and ecstasy at the opportunity afforded him to lead the affairs of the Body of Benchers for the next one year. He equally eulogised the legacies set by all previous Chairmen of the Body of Benchers. Olanipekun further reiterated his strong dedication and commitment to the legal profession and its heritage. In his acceptance speech, he stated that he has always given his all to the legal profession, in various ways and in different capacities.
He urged members not to lose sight of the unpleasant happenings bedevilling the legal profession, saying the legal profession is currently under attack and aggression.
“We must not lose sight of the unpleasant happenings around us, whether from the Bar and Bench. Succinctly surmised, our profession is under aggression and attack, both from within and without. These are not the best of times for the legal profession in Nigeria.”
Ivory Ukonu is a versatile journalist with many years of experience, with entertainment and society reporting as her area of core competence.
