The immediate past Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Saki Branch, Prince Adesoji Oyejare Oke, has plausibly rated high his performances in office as the 5th Chairman of Saki Bar, stating that God has used him to set unprecedented records in the annals of history of the Bar. Speaking at handing-over of by his 2022/2024 led administration, which doubled as the Inauguration of the New 2024/2025 Executives, in the occasion which took place on the 9th August, 2024, in the High Court Premises, Saki, at 10.00am., Prince Oke gave all Glory to the God Almighty, for His Strength, Grace and Mercy. He noted that his administration has a good place in posterity, which shall forever be indelible.

“I am glad to report that 2022/2024 Executives, which I am privileged to lead, has raised the Standard of the Saki Bar, broke the jinxes, and set many unique precedents. It is going to be our joy that the incoming administration builds on the foundations laid, and explore other great areas of developments.”

In his Speech, the Chairman Emeritus stated that:

“I want to start by giving ALL Glory to God Almighty for the Grace and Mercy to pilot the affairs of the Nigerian Bar Association, Saki Bar for two fruitful and remarkable years. Today makes it exactly two years I was sworn in as the Chairman, after I was elected / selected on the 18th July, 2022. In the aforesaid two years, we broke jinxes and successfully, crossed so many hurdles. Imperatively, I specially, express my gratitudes to God, because none of the members of this branch died or vanished. In fact, we have been increasing in numbers, wealth and achievements.”

The Chairman went on the memory lane, highlighting some of his achievements as God enabled him during his tenure. The Chairman captured it thus:

“As a steward, kindly permit me to briefly account for (The years 2022/2024) the period of our administration. Distinguished Colleagues, about three Months after I emerged as Chairman, the first ever (Maiden) Law Week in the history of the Branch, tagged Law and Instrument to stabilize the Economy of a Failing State was successfully, organized between 18th and 24th November, 2022. I am glad to report that in the cause of the 2022 Maiden Law week, specifically, on the 23rd November, 2022, the ‘Justice A.A. Kolajo Law Library’ was inaugurated in honour of one of the greatest Jurist of Nigeria, who is of Saki origin. The said occasion was rounded off with a Dinner, which also was unique in the history of Saki Branch.

On the 10th December, 2022, this Bar successfully, celebrated the Second World Human Rights Day, which was on-air (Radio) programme at Gravity F.M, Igboho, with the cooperation of my Vice-Chairman, who doubled as the Chairman of Human Rights Committee, members of the Committee as well as the entire members of this Branch. In spite of his appointment as the President of Grade A Customary Court on the 23rd January, 2024, my Vice-Chairman has continued to support the Bar. It is on record that the Maiden World Human Rights Day was celebrated on the 17th December, 2021, in Saki Town Hall, when I was the Chairman of the said Human Rights Committee.

Similarly, God Almighty greatly assisted us to create and establish a forum and avenue for Oke-ogun Lawyers in all walks of life to relate and interact freely and conveniently. This platform, which is known and tagged “Okeogun Lawyer’s Forum” was created on the 3rd September, 2022. The Platform, which has now been serving its purpose, is designed to serve as a unifying forum for the Legal Practitioners in Oke-ogun, with the primary aim of developing our area.

Subsequently, to the Glory of God, the year 2023 equally, began and ended on a good note. With the cooperation of my distinguished colleagues, Saki Bar had her First Mid-Year Dinner on the 21st July, 2023. Subsequently, Saki Bar had the Second Annual Law Week tagged Property Acquisition and Protection between 17th and 22nd November, 2023, which was equally, rounded off with Bar Dinner. In addition, the 2023 World Human Rights Day was commemorated on the 15th December, 2023. Several other enlightenment programmes were held on Radio Stations such as Gravity Fm, Igboho, J.Fm, Saki and Asabari F.m, Saki, at different times. Distinguished colleagues, I am glad to report that the 2022/2024 administration has secured with the Asabari Fm Radio, a thirty-minute (On-air) free Legal Analytical programme for the benefit and enlightenment of members of the Public, on various aspect of Law. This programme comes up at 1.00pm on the last Friday of each Month.

This Year 2024 is distinctly, remarkable. Distinguished Gentlemen and Guests, the long anticipated parcel of land for the construction of the Saki Bar Center was delineated by the Team from the Judiciary, ably led by Mrs Ogunrin (DCR Administration) and Mr Kehinde Adeosun (Maintenance Officer), on the 17th July, 2024, after my Lord the Chief Justice of Oyo State, Honourable Justice I.S. Yerima, graciously approved same, within the High Court Premises, Saki Judicial Division. Subsequently, the historic Foundation laying of the Ultra-Modern Bar Center was notably done on the 30th July, 2024, to the Glory of God.

The Saki Bar between 2022 and 2024 was not only proactive but unrepentantly vibrant. The NBA Saki Brach was at the forefront, condemning the injustice and advocating people’s cause. Such was the position of the Bar when the rights of our own W.O. Lawal Esq was violated and inhumane assault meted out to him. Aside issuing a Press Statement condemning the brutal attack on the 19th November, 2023, the Bar wrote Petition to the Nigerian Police Force, which led to the arraignment of the Culprits. The Bar mobilized about Fifteen Legal Practitioners, who vigorously, pursued the prosecution of the case, until it was taken over by the State. Similarly, the attempt to criminalize the legitimate duty of B.S. Amao Esq, by Divisional Police of the Nigerian Police Force, Saki, was not only rebuffed and rejected but totally condemned, as about ten Legal Practitioners moved to the Commissioner of Police’s office in Ibadan, to defend him, when the case was eventually, transferred. I once again seize this opportunity to appreciate the distinguished members of this Branch, who sacrificed their time and resources to defend our colleague, with the belief that that ‘An injury to one, is an injury to all’. I specially, recognize D.S. Olabode for fuelling and releasing your car for the journey.

More so, this administration made arrangement for the specially, customized 2025 Diaries, for Legal Practitioners. I am happy that most Bar-men are financially committed, and it will be delivered to us in a due course. This attempt is to provide Practitioners with Diaries ahead of a new Legal and Calendar year. Hence, aside the uniformity, it will afford us with the opportunity of projecting our Saki Bar.”

While expressing deep gratitudes to various persons, who had supported and contributed immensely to the successes recorded by the 2022/2024 Executives, the Chairman joyously expressed unreserved gratitudes to those dignitaries:

“Having mentioned some of the numerous Achievements of this administration, I must, as a matter of courtesy and deep appreciation, recognize certain well meaning individuals, whom God used to support and encourage the 2022/2024 to attain these feats. They have contributed one way or the other to whatever success that this administration records.

Soon after the Maiden Law Week, Dr Ahmed Raji SAN, fulfilled his promise, and credited the account of this great branch with the sum of Two Million Naira. I must say, without fear of equivocation that the sum donated by the Learned Silk, was so useful and helpful to our administration, in discharging most of our duties, functions and assignments. In fact, our administration was optimistic, calculative and meticulous in setting aside part of the money, which was eventually committed to financing and procuring building materials, including off-setting the engineers at the Foundation laying of our ultra-modern Bar Center. To us, Dr Ahmed Raji SAN was not just a Learned Silk and philanthropist, but a great pillar of support to our administration. We sincerely, pray that God Almighty will be with him, give him sound health and grant him long lasting Joy, as well as his children.”

The Chairman went further that:

“Chief Niyi Akintola SAN has being another pillar of support for Saki Bar. In fact, the account of the creation of Saki Bar is incomplete without mentioning his effort and influence in 2014. So, the Legal icon during the 2023 Annual General Conference in Abuja, in his bid to encouraged and support our Branch donated to us the sum of Two Hundred Thousand Naira, which was promptly and duly paid into the covers of the Association. May God bless him and his family.”

Another notable colossus, appreciated for his pivotal contribution, which is indelible in the history of Saki Bar is Colonel Gbenga Adegbola (Rtd). According to him:

“Colonel Gbenga Adegbola (Rtd)is a true son of the soil, whose role at ensuring that Saki High Court exists, at the crucial period, when closure of same was starring us in the face, cannot be over-emphasized. He took it upon himself and made necessary moves, as well as donations that led to the prompt renovation of the High Court of Oyo State, Saki Judicial Division. God really, used him, as his intervention saved our court directly from the big hammer. In addition to this, we approached him again on the 19th June, 2024, for his intervention in renovating the Judge’s quarter and the Grade A Customary Court. He followed us that same day to inspect the places. As we speak, the Judge’s quarter has experienced a facelift, also, the enormous renovation ongoing will soon complete. Presently, I believe it shall be the turn of Grade A Court, and some other places, as God helps him. Aside being a philanthropist of note, Colonel Gbenga Adegbola unapologetically, dedicated to helping the society, including the Legal Profession.”

The next in line of appreciation according to the Chairman Emeritus is the Okere of Saki, whom he described as a true royal father:

“The Okere of Saki is not only the Paramount Ruler of Saki, but a lover of Legal Profession. Our Administration benefitted immensely, from this distinguished Monarch, towards the tail end of our Administration. In line with the currently adopted Virtual Court’s Proceedings in our Courts, Our revered Monarch donated to the Bar, a LG Flat Screen of (126cm/50) 42 inches. Oba Dr (Surv.) Khalid Olabisi Oyedepo III, equally, contributed to the Construction of our Bar Center, by donating Three Loads of sands and Thirty Bags of Cements. May his Majesty’s reign be long in sound health, peace and progress.”

More so, thePrince Oke expressed his appreciation to the Chief Judge of Oyo state for being instrumental to the successes recorded by his administration in granting a parce of land for Bar Center:

“I must as a matter of gratitude and respect, extol the virtues of the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Hon. Justice I. S. Yerima, who specially fast-track and speedily granted the prayers of this administration, especially, as regards the approving and delineating a parcel of land for the construction of Saki Bar Center. His Lordship’s effort is imperative, because, series of efforts were made in the past to facilitate the grant, to no avail. In fact, many letters were written in the past, including the ones I wrote, as the General Secretary of this great Bar in 2018/2020. When I emerged the Chairman, the efforts continued until my Lord put a smile on our faces. There is no doubt that my Lord is a goal-getter, firm, proactive and a mother per Excellence. It is on record that Oyo State Judiciary has witnessed tremendous progress in the Administration of my Lord the Chief Judge. The Lord Almighty will continually, be with, bless and put unending smile of joy on the lips of my Lord and family.”

Several other persons, were equally, eulogized for their support and contribution to the successes of the 2022/2024 Executives. According to the Chairman Emeritus, they include but not limited to: Justice K.A Adedokun, Bagii of Saki, High Chief Ghazaal Adegoke, Chief Lateef Adedigba, Dr O.S. Adekanye (CMD, BMC Saki) among others. He specially, appreciated Asabe Gabriel Esq, who nominated him for the position of the Chairman, and Babatunde Amao Esq, whom he described as not just part of the Executives as the Provost, but popularly known his Right-hand man”

Furthermore, Prince Adesoji Oke remarked that: “This Address will be incomplete without specially, appreciating the Team of NBA Executives for the 2022/2024 Administration. This set of distinguished colleagues is so wonderful, cooperating and proactive. Specially, I express my gratitudes to entire members of the Saki Bar. Without reservation, I am grateful to you for the opportunity afforded me to serve you. I did not take this for granted. If not for the opportunity, cooperation, actions and inactions, I would not have come this far and attain these feats. Gentleman, the good news is, that the wave of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, is now in Okeogun. Okeogun as indigenes are being promoted, including two Gentlemen from Saki. Very soon, many of us from Saki Bar will be promoted to the Rank of Senior advocate of Nigeria. The Lord will bless you and compensate you immensely.”

The former Chairman, who assessed the objectives set by his administration, came to conclusion that he came, he saw and conquered:

“The primary focus of 2022/2024 Executives was to change the narratives and lift the banners of Saki Bar to enviable heights. We bless God, who GREATLY helped us to achieve this. Therefore, everything God has strengthened and aided us to achieve are to the Glory of God, progress of Saki Bar and the benefit of humanity.”

In addition, Prince Adesoji Oyejare Oke, called for unity, cooperation and support for the next (2024/2026) administration, he emphasized that:

“As I pass on the baton of leadership, there is a need for more cooperation and unity among Gentlemen of this Branch, for the progress of our Bar. I therefore, solicit our support and cooperation with the 2024/2026 Administration, in order to further keep the Flag flying high”

While rounding off his speech, Prince Adesoji Oke asserted that:

“Finally, I appreciate Saki Bar for the privilege to serve as your 5th Chairman, which has been assessed to be meritorious. I also express my gratitudes to my family members and well-wishers for their prayers, support and encouragements. God bless you all in Jesus Name.”