Amuwo-odofin Withdraws Offer of Legal Services following NBA Intervention
Recently, the attention of practitioners in the Legal sector was drawn to publications by Amuwo-odofin Local Government of Lagos, offering a wide range of legal services to the public including
In a statement by Rapulu Nduka, Publicity Secretary, Nigerian Bar Association, the NBA reached out to and resolved the issue with AmuwoOdofin Local Government of Lagos. Below are excerpts of the said letter,
“As you may be aware, the attention of the Nigerian Bar Association ( NBA) and the general public was recently drawn to certain publications ascribed to Amuwo- Odofin Local Government of Lagos State, purporting to offer a wide range of legal services to the public, in breach of the extant laws regulating the practice of law in Nigeria.
Following this, the NBA through its Section on Legal Practice (NBA-SLP) intervened to request the Local Government Council to cease and desist from the offending acts. On the basis of this intervention, the Council has withdrawn the said publications and also pledged to desist from further infringement.”
The missive from Nduka also included a letter from the Amuwo Odofin Local Government stating its commitment to withdraw its earlier offer. Here are excerpts
“The Local Government, on Friday 7th May 2021 withdrew the publication in issue from all electronic platforms and publications immediately our attention was called to it. In addition, two different rejoinders have been widely circulated on these platforms to confirm the sincere fact of its withdrawal. The Local Government under the incumbent administration is law abiding and promotes the rule of law in its entire ramification, and hereby assures your good office, your law section and the NBA of the continued observance of the rule of law. While thank learned silk and your committee for finding it appropriate to contact my office regarding the said publication, please be assured of my esteemed highest regards at all times. Our government will continue to ensure continuous strict compliance with laws and regulations applicable to the offer of legal services and practice in the Federal Republic of Nigeria”
Nduka added in his letter that similar attempts in recent times by other organisations to offer legal services to the public have also been/are being dealt with the NBA and reiterated the NBA’S commitment to maintaining the commitment of the legal profession
“The NBA reiterates that it will continue to take every step to ensure that the Legal Profession is not brought to disrepute, and accordingly appeals to all lawyers to kindly bring to its attention any such infraction(s) in order for the appropriate steps to be taken.”