Renowned Nigerian lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN, has warned the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to immediately refund the ₦300 million donated by the Rivers State Government to support its Annual General Conference.
In a frank public statement, Adegboruwa painted the NBA’s acceptance of the funds as both shocking and inappropriate, arguing that the association—being a champion of the rule of law—should not rely on government donations.
“All lawyers in Nigeria pay their practicing fees annually, and conference attendees also pay registration fees,” Adegboruwa stated. “There is no justification for the NBA going cap in hand to beg for money to host a lawyers’ conference.” He further lampooned the association for seemingly representing government interests amid widespread economic hardship and human rights concerns, warning that “he who pays the piper dictates the tune.”
It was Adegboruwa’s position that the NBA should deposit the ₦300 million in an escrow account with the Central Bank of Nigeria until democracy is fully restored in Rivers State. He also appealed to senior lawyers and elders of the Bar to intervene. If the funds have already been spent, he suggested that Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) and other senior lawyers each contribute ₦1 million to replenish the sum. “The NBA is not a bank,” he emphasized, calling for greater prudence in future fundraising efforts.
In contrast, U.S.-based Nigerian lawyer Idu offered a different perspective, maintaining that the NBA’s acceptance of donations from state governments is both common and discretionary. “Rivers State, like other states, had no legal obligation to donate to the NBA, and likewise, the NBA bears no legal duty to refund such a donation,” Idu stated. He argued that demands for a refund lack legal foundation—especially considering the unconstitutional appointment of Rivers State’s Sole Administrator. According to Idu, a refund should only be considered if Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who authorized the donation, personally requests it.
