In a significant boost to Tobenna Erojikwe’s campaign for the presidency of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe, SAN, a past chairman of the NBA Lagos Branch, has issued a powerful endorsement of Tobenna Erojikwe’s candidature.

Akangbe, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and member of the Body of Benchers, expressed his support “with the greatest sense of responsibility to the legal profession and a personal sense of fulfilment,” highlighting the weight of his endorsement.

The endorsement paints a picture of Erojikwe as a transformative leader, with Akangbe stating, “In the last three years or thereabout, the Great Tobe, as I fondly call him, has demonstrated his unwavering dedication to the growth and development of the legal profession in Nigeria in an almost unprecedented manner.” He specifically praised Erojikwe’s work in “resuscitating a hitherto comatose organ of the NBA into what is demonstrably the most visible and impactful organ of the Association,” referring to the NBA Institute of Continuing Legal Education (NBA-ICLE).

Akangbe’s endorsement carries particular significance given his close working relationship with Erojikwe during his tenure as NBA Lagos Branch Chairman from 2019 to 2021. He revealed, “I had the privilege of appointing Tobenna as the Chairman of the Continuing Legal Education Committee of the NBA Lagos Branch, and he distinguished himself in that role.”

Even more tellingly, Akangbe disclosed, “Tobenna was the ‘Chairman of Chairmen’ under my administration, and I unreservedly credit Tobenna for contributing immensely to the success of my administration.” This statement underscores Erojikwe’s leadership capabilities and his ability to drive success across multiple areas of the NBA’s operations.

Akangbe emphasised Erojikwe’s forward-thinking approach, stating, “In an information age where ideas rule the world, and at a time when the legal profession is grappling with contemporary challenges posed by globalisation, artificial intelligence, and all other forms of automated technology, there is no better candidate to steer the affairs of our noble association in the right direction than the forward-thinking Tobenna Erojikwe.”

The endorsement also highlighted Erojikwe’s commitment to inclusivity and young lawyer empowerment, with Akangbe noting, “He has continuously supported inclusivity, diversity, and the empowerment of young lawyers in every position that he has held.”

Akangbe concluded his endorsement with a strong call to action: “I therefore urge all who are genuinely interested in the development of the legal profession in Nigeria, and especially the welfare and progress of our lawyers, to support the candidacy of Tobenna Erojikwe for the office of President of the Nigerian Bar Association.”

As the NBA presidential election approaches, this robust endorsement from a respected past chairman of Erojikwe’s home branch significantly bolsters his campaign. It presents Erojikwe as a candidate with a proven track record of leadership, innovation, and commitment to the development of the legal profession in Nigeria.