Makinde, Akeredolu task Yoruba lawyers on unity, ethical standards as Egbe Amofin O’ Odua holds First National Conference

Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has tasked yoruba lawyers in the country to remain united and forge a common alliance to get what belongs to them as a race in the legal profession.

The governor made the submission on Thursday while speaking at the maiden National Conference of Egbe Amofin O’ odua, held at Aare Afe Babalola Bar Centre, Iyanguju, Ibadan, with the theme ‘The Legal Profession In Nigeria: A Rebirth.

Makinde, who spoke through his Chief of Staff, Hon Segun Ogunwuyi, noted that it was imperative for lawyers of yoruba extraction to come together for them to achieve a common goal , urging them to be dynamic in handling critical issues to achieve set goals.

The governor said: “Well, when there is unity, you can achieve a lot and, generally, politics is about collective interest.

“As lawyers of Yoruba extraction, there is a need to come together and form an alliance so that, in the equation of Nigeria, they can get what belongs or what is due to the Yoruba race and the legal profession. Basically, that is my advice.

“So, work together to forge alliance and unite.”

The Chairman, Egbe Amofin O’ odua, Aare Isiaka Abiola Olagunju, SAN, expressed delight over the turn out of members from all the yoruba speaking states.

Olagungu maintained that concerted efforts must be made by yoruba tribe for the race to remain in the fore -front.

While thanking the Governors of Oyo and Ondo State; Seyi Makinde and Rotimi Akeredolu respectively for their unflinching support, Olagunju, promised that the association will continue to lead young yoruba lawyers to the right path and show them what the association stands in a bid to further achieve the vision, mission and aspirations of the association.

He said: “Today is an important day for us as a milestone in re-uniting our bond and strengthening the core aims of the establishment of the association by our founding fathers.

“It promotes an invaluable platform for fostering the development of lawyers and for promoting socio – economic, cultural and legal issues affecting its members.

“As we are all aware, we have on record to have produced several juggernauts in the legal profession and the next generation need to run with same vision and passion.

“The legal profession today is in dire need of a rebirth , hence the theme of this conference.

“We need to re-create and re-claim the pride of our profession that will endear the young generation to have a renewed hope.”

While adding, he said: “My message is that the Yorubaland must continue to grow as we are Asiwaju, and must not abandon that functional position. We must continue to be united and visionary.”

The Ondo State Governor and Chairman on the occasion, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, emphasized the need for legal practitioners to maintain ethics of the profession and uphold the rule of law.

Governor Akeredolu, represented by Secretary to the State Government, Princess Catherine Oladunni, advised yoruba lawyers to rise up to challenges before in relation to chosen career.
Akeredolu called on the lawyers to endeavour to quide apprientees in the legal profession appropriately for them to attain greater heights.

In her remarks, the First Female Lawyer in Nigeria, Chief Folake Solanke, appealed to the authourity of the association to design a definite policy that will accomodate yoruba young lawyers.

Chief Solanke , emphasized the need to learn yoruba language protect the language at all times.

She harped on the need for yorubas to protect their language and endeavour to showcase yoruba culture when the need arises.

Earlier, the Chairman, Conference Planning Committee, Oluseun Abimbola, SAN, said the association ‘Egba Amofin’, represents a platform for lawyers of yoruba extraction, to among other objectives, find expression in their profession, forge alliances for mutual professional interests and harness common valves for the good of the profession at large.

Abimbola, however, admonished members of the association to strive and sustain high standards worthy of emulation.