The stars seem to be aligning, I can feel the momentum.
More of my lawyer friends are throwing their weight behind the candidature of Lateef O. Akangbe, SAN for the office of NBA President. Not because of sentiments or affiliations, but because of the clarity of purpose, vision, and direction he has consistently demonstrated.
LOA winning on Saturday July 18, would be one of the most memorable birthday gifts I could ask for.
Young lawyers,
Several years ago, I campaigned vigorously for an NBA Presidential candidate. The campaign started even before I was called to the Bar.
When he was campaigning, an NBA Branch hosted him. I was there. He gave some of us his personal phone numbers (2 numbers actually). As God is my witness, he said he didn't want anybody to prevent us from having access to him. Those were his words.
He won the election. I was called to the Nigerian Bar and unemployment sat me down at home and told me "I will unalive you."
After months of "aired" applications by the top dogs, I took a step of faith and sent the NBA President a message on WhatsApp, attaching my CV. I was looking for a job. It has been several years now and the now former NBA President hasn't responded to the message.
He also aired me.
You have just been called to the Bar. You are the cynosure of all the eyes of the 3 contestants. You have the right to vote. Please interrogate their manifestos and let this question weigh heavily on your mind:
"Whose manifesto is likely to serve me?"
Because after the election and the hangouts, you will, most likely, see them no more.
But vote right. Vote Mr Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe SAN.
48yrs old Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe SAN
LLB. University of Wolverhampton
LLM. University of Westminster
MBA University of South Wales
Senior Advocate of Nigeria
Member, Body of Benchers
Managing Partner, Sofunde, Osakwe, Ogundipe & Belgore (SOOB Law)
Expert in Commercial Litigation and Arbitration, Tax litigation, as well as Constitutional and Public Law
Former Chairman, Lagos Branch of the NBA
Former Membership Officer for Africa of the IBA’s Committee on Taxation
Former Chairman, Young Members Group of the FCIA (UK)
Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK) Nigerian Branch.
Member, NEC Nigerian Bar Association
My Lawyer friends, this is @OmoyemiAkangbe soliciting for your vote to be the next NBA President.
Great leadership is not about occupying office, it is about leaving an enduring impact. Throughout my years of service, I have believed that leadership is about building people, managing resources with integrity, and standing with members when they need it most.
That belief guided my stewardship as we strengthened capacity building through continuous professional development, upheld financial transparency and accountability, provided timely welfare support during the COVID-19 pandemic, and deepened mentorship to empower the next generation of lawyers. These are not promises, they are part of my record of service.
As we approach the Nigerian Bar Association presidential election on 20th July, I offer myself for service with the experience, character, and tested leadership needed to move our Association forward.
I believe our Bar deserves leadership founded on competence, integrity, and a clear vision for the future.
I humbly ask for your support and your vote on 20th July.
Together, let us build a stronger, more united Nigerian Bar.
Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe, SAN