Topic: Freedom of Association of Legal Practitioners: Navigating The Web Of Statutory Professional Regulations

Introduction

The concept of Freedom of Association has been in existence from time immemorial due to the social nature of man. This stems from the fact that every man is born free and should be allowed to form and belong to lawful organizations, associations and unions without interference.

Freedom of Association is a right to associate with any group YOU wish, including joining or leaving the group, and for the group to take collective action on behalf of its individual members. Both an individual and a collective right; freedom of association is considered extremely important in industrial relations and is enshrined in practically all modern legal systems. It is a strong pillar of democracy and plays a crucial role in fostering a vibrant civil society.

International and Local Law

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights 25 (1948) proclaims freedom of association as an enabling right to allow effective participation of non-state actors in economic and social policy, lying at the heart of democracy and the rule of law.

Article 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Conventions 87 and 98 of the International Labour Organization, and the United States Bill of Rights, all contain provision for freedom of association.

In Nigeria; Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria provides amongst other things that: Every person shall be entitled to assemble freely and associate with other persons, and in particular he may form or belong to any political party, trade union or any other association for the protection of his interests

History of Freedom of Association and its Importance

Freedom of Association is an internationally recognised phenomenon and a right that is guaranteed and protected under both international and municipal law of various nationalities. The right to freedom of association involves the right of individuals to interact and organize among themselves to collectively express, promote, pursue and defend common interest. Examples are political parties, professional or sporting clubs, non-governmental organisations and trade unions

In times past, freedom of association has been instrumental to engineering numerous social and political movements

Industrial Revolution (1760-1840)

During the Industrial Revolution, workers formed trade unions to collectively bargain for improved working conditions, fair wages and workers’ rights. These associations were important in balancing power dynamics between employees and employers and have contributed to the establishment of labor laws worldwide.

Civil Rights Movement (1954-1968)

Another good example is the civil rights movement in the United States. African Americans and their allies formed organizations such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). These associations mobilized grassroots support, organized protests, and fought against racial segregation and discrimination, ultimately leading to landmark civil rights legislation.

Presently, freedom of association allows individuals to create and join non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that advocate for various causes such as human rights, environmental protection, healthcare access, and gender equality. These organizations raise public awareness, influence policies, and hold governments accountable. Examples include political parties, Economic Community of West African states (ECOWAS), NGOs like Amnesty International, Greenpeace, Doctors Without Borders and now Nigerian Law Society (NLS) e.t.c

Freedom of association is essential for several reasons. Firstly, it empowers individuals to engage in collective action, amplifying their voices and impacting social change. By joining forces, people can address common challenges, promote social justice, and advocate for their rights more effectively.

Also, freedom of association allows individuals to join together in groups, organizations, or associations for common purposes without interference or coercion to foster positive changes and development in the society.

Lastly, freedom of association provides a check on governmental power. Associations act as a watchdog, ensuring accountability and transparency in governance. It permits citizens to serve as a mechanism for citizens to participate in public affairs, influence policies, and shape the society in which they live in.

An Association among Legal Practitioners

A Bar association is a professional association of lawyers as generally organized in countries. The word ‘Bar’ is derived from the old English/European custom of using a physical railing to separate the area in which court business is done from the viewing area for the general public. Some Bar Associations are responsible for the regulation of the legal profession in their jurisdiction; others are professional organizations dedicated to serving their members; in many cases, they are both. In many Commonwealth jurisdictions, the Bar Association comprises of lawyers who are qualified as barristers or advocates in particular, versus solicitors. Membership in Bar Associations may be mandatory or optional for practicing attorneys, depending on jurisdiction.

Examples of Countries with multiple Bar Association

There are several countries around the world that have more than one bar association. These multiple bar associations often represent different legal professions, specialties, or regional jurisdictions within the country. Here are a few examples:

United States: In the United States, each state typically has its own bar association, and there is also a national organization called the American Bar Association (ABA). Additionally, some specialty legal organizations exist at the national level, such as the Federal Bar Association (FBA) and the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA).

France: France has two main bar associations. The first is the Conseil National des Barreaux (CNB), which represents lawyers practicing in the various local bar associations. The second is the Conférence des Bâtonniers, an association of the presidents of the local bar associations.

Germany: In Germany, there are several bar associations that vary by state. Each state has its own regional bar association, such as the Rechtsanwaltskammer (Chamber of Lawyers). These associations are responsible for regulating the legal profession in their respective jurisdictions.

Canada: In Canada, there are provincial bar associations that oversee the legal profession in each province or territory. For example, the Law Society of Upper Canada is responsible for governing lawyers in Ontario, while the Law Society of British Columbia regulates the legal profession in British Columbia.

Australia: In Australia, each state and territory has its own bar association responsible for regulating the legal profession. For instance, the New South Wales Bar Association governs barristers practicing in New South Wales, while the Victorian Bar Association oversees barristers in Victoria.

India: India has multiple bar councils, including the Bar Council of India (BCI) at the national level and State Bar Councils at the state level, regulating legal practitioners and legal education in their respective jurisdictions.

England and Wales: The legal profession in England and Wales is served by several bar associations, such as the Bar Council of England and Wales, the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), and the Chancery Bar Association (ChBA), among others, each with distinct functions.

The establishment of multiple bar associations can sometimes lead to varying approaches in addressing professional issues, representation, and advocacy.

Statues that mention Nigerian Bar Association

Legal Practitioners Act: The Legal Practitioners Act (LPA) is a principal legislation that regulates the legal profession in Nigeria. It mentions the Nigerian Bar Association and outlines the qualifications and requirements for becoming a legal practitioner in Nigeria.

Legal Education (Consolidation, Etc.) Act: This Act regulates the legal education and training of lawyers in Nigeria. It establishes the Nigerian Law School, which is responsible for the professional training of law graduates before they are called to the Nigerian Bar.

Legal Practitioners (Disciplinary Committee) Rules: These rules provide a framework for the disciplinary proceedings against legal practitioners in Nigeria. The Nigerian Bar Association plays a role in the disciplinary process through its Disciplinary Committee.

Legal Practitioners (Privileges and Rights of Senior Advocates) Rules: These rules govern the conferral and recognition of the title “Senior Advocate of Nigeria” (SAN) to distinguished legal practitioners in Nigeria. The Nigerian Bar Association is involved in the process of selecting and recommending lawyers for the prestigious SAN title.

Legal Aid Act: This Act establishes the Legal Aid Council, which provides legal aid and assistance to indigent persons in Nigeria. The NBA is mentioned in Section 2(3) as one of the bodies from which members of the Council are appointed.

While the Nigerian Constitution does not specifically mention the Nigerian Bar Association, it recognizes the role of legal practitioners in the administration of justice. Sections 36(6)(d) and 40(4) of the Constitution guarantee the right to legal representation and association, respectively, which indirectly acknowledge the importance of Lawyers in upholding the rule of law.

What have the Courts said about the Bar Association?

In N.B.A. v. Kehinde, the Court of Appeal (2017) 11 NWLR (PT 1576) 225. In the leading judgment of the Court, her Ladyship NIMPAR, JCA, had held that:

“The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) was established for the purpose of regulating the affairs and conduct of all legal practitioners in Nigeria and upon being called to the Nigerian Bar, there is automatic membership to the NBA on a lawyer”. …..Is this an accurate description?

In Chinwo v. Owhonada (2008)3 NWLR (Pt.1074) 341. ……”Hence, as long as one has elected to join and remain within the noble profession, he is a member and ought to comply with the directive of the Association.” …. This position was buttressed in the case of Chinwo v. Owhonda, where Court of Appeal declared that “The appellant was not compelled to take up the profession of law and its attendant compulsory membership of the Nigerian Bar Association. However, once he made the choice to study and practice law and thereby placing his name on the roll of honour of belonging to the profession, he stands bound by the internal rules and regulations of the Association. There would therefore be no issue of a breach of the Constitution of the country if the rules demand of him, undivided loyalty”.

In the case of Chief Gani Fawehinmi v. Nigerian Bar Association & Ors (No.2) (1989) Hon. Justice Obaseki,(JSC) while commenting on the status of the Nigerian Bar Association stated thus:

“Thus the right to form any association for the protection of the interests of the members is guaranteed under this provision of the Constitution 1979 and is an entrenched right. However, such an association of persons, though recognized by the Constitution does not ipso facto vest in the association the attributes of incorporation, which alone confers legal personality… . Thus an association of persons recognised by section 37 is a lawful association simpliciter. It is a recognition of the reality that the group of persons who have formed an association has an existence in fact.”

In Contrast

The provisions of section 40 has been upheld in numerous cases such as in Etienam v Registrar of Trade Unions,[ Unreported Appeal No. LD138A169 High Court Lagos] officials of the Customs Preventive Staff Union of Nigeria applied to the Registrar of trade unions for the registration of their union.

The Registrar acting on government orders not only refused to register the union but also refused to give any reason for his refusal. The Registrar who was himself a lawyer of many years standing contended that the reasons for his refusal were contained in a secret document and that it could take him a long time to obtain permission from the powers that be to produce the documents.

The Chief Judge observed that although he had sympathy for the Registrar for the difficulties placed before him in producing the documents, he had no sympathy for his lack of courage to do what was right. The Chief Judge declared:

On the extent of the effect of section 45 on the above right in section 40. Section 45 provides that nothing in sections 37, 38, 39, 40 and 41 of the Constitution will invalidate any law that is reasonably justifiable in a democratic society,

(i) in the interest of defence, public safety, public order, public morality or public health; or

(ii ) or the purpose of protecting the rights and freedom or other persons.

Bamidele Aturu v. Attorney-General of Lagos State & Anor. (2013) 5 NWLR (Pt. 1345) 255

In this case, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) was mentioned as an association. The case revolved around the constitutionality of the Lagos State Traffic Law, particularly the provision empowering the Lagos State Government to impose certain penalties on traffic offenders. The court considered the arguments made by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) challenging the validity of the law.

Wome Moses, Esq. v Nigerian Bar Association (2019) LPELR – 46918 (SC).

In delivering the lead judgment, my lord, Augie, JSC held thus:

“Clearly, the Issue in this Appeal is whether the Respondent is a juristic person capable of suing and of being sued in its name, which is why Fawehinmi v. NBA (No.2) (supra), takes center stage in this Appeal, because the exact same Issue was determined by this Court in that case … The Court of Appeal, however, held to the contrary that the NBA is NOT a juristic person and so, it cannot be sued legally in its name. In agreeing with the Court of Appeal, this Court explained that – The Constitution of the NBA is not a statutory instrument- – It is a pure and simple private document, which members of NBA, were entitled to draw up in exercise of their right to provide a constitution for the Association to regulate its affairs. It was accorded its due superior position by the Legal Practitioners Act in the conduct of (its) affairs by the General Council of the Bar. This does not make the NBA a juristic person. It only gives the body recognition as a legal entity- – … Our Constitution in Item 48 of the Second Schedule provides that incorporation of professional bodies can only be attained through a legislation of National Assembly.

Do lawyers in Nigeria have freedom of Association?

At this point, perhaps we should cross-examine the Legal Practitioners Act with the goal of finding out whether it is an Act made pursuant to the exceptions to the right of freedom of association.

Perusal of this Act will reveal that the intention of our lawmakers is basically to literally provide for the existence of lawyers and regulate the law profession through the regulatory bodies established thereunder.

It should be observed that the Nigerian Bar Association was not established by this Act or any other law whatsoever. In fact, it is no longer in dispute that the NBA is registered at the Corporate Affairs Commission as incorporated trustees. Also, the LPA must necessarily be presumed to have been made pursuant to item 49 of the Exclusive Legislative List which provides for the power of the National Assembly to regulate professional occupations in Nigeria. And it is in exercise of this power that a governing Council (the General Council of the Bar) was established and charged with the general management of the affairs of the profession. What this means is that clearly, the LPA does not purport to derogate from the right to freedom of association but exists to govern the law profession through the Bar Council and other bodies established thereunder.

However, there is some anomaly in Section 1 of the LPA that may have contributed to making some members of the Bar (and the Bench) believe that membership of the NBA is compulsory. Section 1 of the LPA, LFN CAPL11 2004 provides thus:

“There shall be a body to be known as the General Council of the Bar (in this Act referred to as “the Bar Council” which shall be charged with the general management of the affairs of the Nigerian Bar Association (subject to any limitations for the time being provided by the constitution of the Association) and with any functions conferred on the Council by this Act or that constitution.”

By the wording of this provision, at least two things are clear, i.e. that the General Council of the Bar is charged with a duty and that the NBA is a self-regulating association.

What is not so clear is why the duty of the General Council of the Bar is limited to the general management of the affairs of the NBA, as opposed to the general affairs of the legal profession in Nigeria. Why has it presumed without any basis whatsoever, that all lawyers belong to this association?

Laws like that of the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act, empowers their Council to regulate the affairs of the profession concerned as a whole. It does not restrict it to some association or presume that everyone must belong to an association to practice their profession. See Section 1 of the MDPA which makes no mention of any association but effectively provides for the regulation of the medical and dental professions.

The NBA is mentioned not just in Section 1 of the LPA but indeed, the NBA enjoys quite a great number of mentions in the LPA and RPC. But can these mentions, serve as the basis for overriding the lawyer’s fundamental right to freedom of association? I think not. The only exceptions to the fundamental right to freedom of association must be traceable to the Constitution. If the 1999 Constitution intended to regulate professional occupations through mandatory associations, it would have stated so under item 49 of the Exclusive Legislative List. Such intention would however have had to be reconciled with Section 45. A fundamental right such as the right to freedom of association simply cannot be derogated from in the manner attempted by Section 1 of the LPA.

In consequence of the foregoing, since the NBA is neither a body made pursuant to Section 45 of the 1999 Constitution, nor is it even a body established under the LPA, Section 1 of the LPA is in breach of Section 40 of the Constitution and must be considered void.

It needs to be added that the Supreme Court’s recognition of the power of the NBA as regards the stamp and seal cannot validly be stretched to imply that all lawyers must be members of the NBA. One can very well choose not be a member of the NBA, but would nonetheless be bound to comply with the Bar Council’s Rules of Professional Conduct. This is because the enabling power to issue the stamp and seal comes from beyond the NBA; it comes from the Bar Council, the maker of the RPC. Indeed this is why stamp and seal is compulsory and not because the NBA said so.

We must remember that because no lawyer can be pre-empted from joining an association does not mean all lawyers must join the association.

In Conclusion

In light of the foregoing, insisting that membership dues must be paid before one can acquire the statutory stamp is in violation of the Constitution. This pre-condition in effect violates one’s right to assemble freely, especially those of non-members of the association.

No matter how useful an organisation might be, it cannot serve as basis to override a person’s right to freedom of association if it does not at the same time find justification under the law.

Therefore, lawyers can have freedom of association to create and join associations such as Nigerian Bar Association and any other Association that will foster legal reforms and development and aid justice delivery.

….End

* Chief Mobolaji Olukayode Ayorinde, FCArb, OFR, Senior Advocate of the Masses (SAM), Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), lawyer per excellence, an author, revolutionary intellectual, humanist, philanthropist, committed social critic, publicist, patriot, the veritable and undisputed conscience of the nation, the founder and Senior Partner of BA Law LLP (formerly B. Ayorinde & Co) a thriving Nigerian law firm with offices in Lagos, Ibadan, Abuja and Port-Harcourt and also a door tenant at Great James Street Chambers in London, UK for the conferment of the Degree of Doctor of Civil Law D.C.L (Honoris Causa) of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Ogbomoso, Nigeria.

Chancellor sir, this is the man standing before you here today and whose profile I have the singular privilege to present to you.

FAMILY BACKGROUND AND EDUCATIONAL CAREER

Chief Mobolaji Olukayode Ayorinde SAN, a courageous and unequally champion of the masses was born on October 22, 1962. He is the son of the Honourable Justice Timothy Adebayo Ayorinde Former Chief Judge of Oyo State and Chief Mrs. Christiana Adetokunbo Ayorinde of the Ayorinde family of Ajimajasan Compound Agbokojo Ibadan. Chief Ayorinde started his education at the Sacred Heart Private School, Ring-Road, Ibadan where he did his Primary School education before proceeding to Government College, Ibadan in 1974 for his Secondary School. He also attended the International School, University of Ibadan, Oyo State in 1979 and obtained his GCE Advanced Level Certificate, International Baccalaureate, A Levels Certificate in 1981. In September 1981, he proceeded to the University College Buckland, Oxfordshire England, United Kingdom for his university education and obtained the University of Oxford, GCE Certificate (Law] Intermediate (LLB) in 1983. He later attended Holborn Law Tutors, Roupell Street, University of London, for his Bachelor of Laws LLB Hon Degree Certificate and graduated in 1985. He proceeded to the Nigerian Law School, Victoria Island, Lagos, in 1985 where he obtained the Council of Legal Education Certificate of Call to Bar in 1986.

Professional Career

Chief Ayorinde began his legal career with the Law Firm of Messrs Akin-Delano, Legal Practitioners where he was posted for his National Youth Service Program in 1986. During this period he worked directly under the Principal, Chief Akin – Delano (SAN) and three years after, in 1989, he was seconded to take charge of the Lagos Office of the Firm. He worked in the firm of Akin-Delano until 1990 when he set up the Law Firm of B. Ayorinde & Co with offices in Lagos, Ibadan and now Abuja in the Federal Capital Territory and Port Harcourt.

His areas of legal practice include: General Civil Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Company Law, Family Law, Property and Land Law, Banking, Insurance & Liquidation law, Arbitration, Maritime and Shipping Law, Public Advocacy and Parliamentary Counselling Services. The Learned Silk, Chief Ayorinde is a passionate seeker of knowledge, a scholar and socially committed intellectual, a social scientist of no mean stature who has edited and authored various works that have become landmark contributions to law, economics and social history in Nigeria. In the course of his legal profession, Chief Mobolaji Ayorinde has written several articles, touching on specific and notable topics, drawing momentum from the prevailing legal and economic conditions in Nigeria.

The following monumental works are vintage Ayorinde:

Securing and Enforcing Maritime Claims;
Juriscope 1st Edition-2001 Series;
Wills and Testamentary Disposition;
Judicial Precedent, Law Reporting and the need for Regulation;
Judicial Bias and Justice Delivery;
Sovereign Immunity and the Trials of Augosto Pinochet;
A Commentary on the Independence of Electoral Umpire in Nigeria;
Boko Haram, Terrorism and Fundamental Human Rights, the Challenges that concern us;
Criminal Justice System in Nigeria;
53, Years after Independence;
The many faces of Judicial Rot;
Nigeria-Any Strength in Adversity;
A Reformatory Approach to the Criminal Justice System in Nigeria;
The Rashidi Yekini Case and the State of Mental Health Law in Nigeria;
Other publications are

The Woes of the Bar in the Face of Corruption on the Bench: A Dispassionate Disquisition;
Education in Nigeria, the Rise, Fall and the Hope and many more.
If it is about law, ask Chief Mobolaji, Nitori pe, ni ‘bi koko igi l’aa boyin; ebaa igi l’aa bajao; igi toba p’etun l’aa fi se eruko. He has done so much for law in Nigeria and has democratized the use of law and made the knowledge of law accessible and affordable for legal practitioners.

MEMBERSHIP

Chancellor sir, Seeth thou a man diligent in his work, he will stand before Kings and not mean men” (Prov 22: 29). This courageous son of Nigeria was appointed Notary Public for Nigeria on the 25th November, 1994 and was elevated to the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) on the 26th of September, 2005.

Chief Ayorinde is a member of several socio-cultural organizations, various church societies as well as clubs and societies. He is the Chairman, Committee on the Decongestion of Prisons, Oyo State; a member of the Nigeria-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC), which propelled him to be a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators, he is also a Member of the Nigerian-Belgian Commercial Information and Documentation Centre, Chairman of the NBA Dispute Resolution Committee 2021, He is a Member of the Nigerian Bar Association (N.B.A) and International Bar Association [IBA], a member of Commonwealth Lawyers Association. He has been a Council Member, Section on Public and Development Law, (SPIDEL) of the N.B.A., Chairman, Finance Committee of Nigerian Bar Association, Ikeja Branch and he is an active member of the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN).

Chief Ayorinde is a member of the Omo Ajorosun Club, Ibadan, a member of the Ibadan Golf Club, Ibadan, a prominent member of the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Lagos, and also a member of the Island Club, Lagos. Over the years, Chief Mobolaji Ayorinde has been able to maintain a balance between his career and his religious life. He has held various leadership positions in the church and is also a member of various church organizations such as: Patron, Lady Workers League of the Cathedral of St. James The Great, Okebola, Ibadan, Oyo State, Member of Christian Unity Band of Nigeria, All Saints Anglican Church Ikosi – Ketu, Lagos and a Member, Youth Christian Society of the Cathedral of St. James The Great, Oke Bola, Ibadan.

Also, he is a member of Ogunpa Descendants Union of the Cathedral of St James The Great, Okebola Ibadan; a member Fountain of Hope Society, Member of African Church Cathedral Bethel, Lagos; an honorary Member of Christian Guild African Church Cathedral Bethel Lagos; Patron of Men’s Friendly Society and Young Women Christian Association of All Saints Anglican Church, Ikosi-Ketu, Lagos State. Lastly, he is a member of the Constitution Drafting Committee, Diocese of Lagos West at the inception of the Diocese. Chancellor sir, are we surprised at these? NO, nitoripe Yoruba adage says igba to to gba ni see baale gbonmi gbonmi, konko to to konko nit je baale odo, oko to to oko niise baale loode.

Achievements and Awards

Chancellor sir, here is a man, whose life has touched many people and nation at large through his various appointments so far. In 2007, Chief Ayorinde was appointed Pro-Chancellor, Chairman Governing Council Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State. In November 2011, he was appointed by the Ex President Goodluck Jonathan as a member of the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy (PACPM). He is a Fellow, Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators, Chairman, Aviation & Transport Committee. He was also the Chairman of the Oyo State Committee on the Decongestion of Prisons. He is the holder of Ghana 2006/2007 outstanding African Nations Builders Gold Award, also the holder of Society of Security Practitioners of Nigeria Award in 2005/2007, Augustine Nnamani Chambers, Faculty of Law, University of Ibadan Distinguished Personality Award in 2008, LAUTECH Alumni Award for Excellence in leadership and Administration in 2007, Federation of Oyo State Students Union Platinum Award of Excellent Leadership in 2008 and the 2010 Award for Professional Excellence by the Central Council for Ibadan Indigenes (CCID). In June 2012, he was appointed Chairman of the Governing Board of the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria and was also Conferred with the National Honour of “Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic” of Nigeria, [O.F.R] in 2014.

CHIEFTANCY TITLES

Chief Mobolaji Olukayode Ayorinde holds the traditional title of tun Baale Bode Igbo in Ibadan land since 1995 and recently Honorary Title of Agba Ofin of Ibadan.

In November 2014, he was appointed as a member of the Nigerian Bar Association National Executive Committee (NBA-NEC). In September, 2019, he was appointed as the Special Counsel, to His Excellency, The Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde (ENSE).

In 2021, his Firm, BA Law LLP was acknowledged as the leading Cross Border Litigation Lawyer of the year by the Prestigious Acquisition International in the leading Adviser Awards following his work on major Cross-Border International Arbitration matters in London, Paris and Rome. His chamber is one of the largest law outfit in Nigeria. His chamber is dedicated with high calibre profession ethics, committed to the rule of law and generally use of legal processes for the advancement of social Justice and the society.

He was a member of the committee set up by His Excellency the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde ENSE that successfully midwifed the separation of the joint Ownership structure of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State in 2021.

Chancellor sir, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, standing before you is a seasoned and accomplished legal luminary, a practitioner with a strong vision, a worthy Nigerian who has touched many lives, a man who has served Nigeria meritoriously for years, an accomplished author, a role model to many in Nigeria and abroad, a devoted and God fearing Christian, a good and faithful husband as well as a philanthropist whose hobbies are rendering services to the needy and helping the younger ones.

Mr. Chancellor sir, members of the council of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Principal Officers, Staff, Students, Friends of the University, Compatriots, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I have the special honour and the unusual privilege of presenting our own Mahatma, our own Mwalimu, our own Madiba, Patriotic, kind and intellectually endowed and professionally competent personality, Chief, MOBOLAJI OLUKAYODE AYORINDE for the conferment of the prestigious Degree of Doctor of Civil Law (D.C.L) (Honoris Causa) of our great institution Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Ogbomoso, Nigeria.