A federal high court in Abuja has mandated the Corporate Affairs Commission to approve the registration of the Nigerian Law Society, a newly proposed professional body for lawyers.
The NLS, seen as a rival to the long-established Nigerian Bar Association, faced rejection from the CAC, citing potential confusion with the NBA’s name.
The plaintiffs, including Bolaji Ayorinde, Audu Mela Nunghe, Garba Gajam, Emeka Ichoku, Chioma Ferguson, and Tejumola Adigun, argued in suit FHC/ABJ/CS/482/2023 that the CAC’s refusal violated their rights under the CFRN 1999 and international charters.
They sought a court declaration that “national spread” is not a prerequisite for incorporation as a trustee and affirmed that proposed names like the Nigerian Law Society are distinct from the NBA.
In the judgment delivered on December 15, 2023, Presiding Judge Gladys Olotu granted all seven reliefs, directing the CAC to approve the registration of any proposed name submitted by the plaintiffs and issue a certificate accordingly.
Bayo Akinlade, NLS publicity secretary, criticized the NBA leadership, stating, “It is unfortunate that the NBA leadership would seek to oppose the establishment of NLS.”
He expressed disappointment that the NBA, with its motto of “upholding the rule of law,” would attempt to deny its members the right to freely associate. Akinlade questioned the intention of the NBA’s founding fathers, pondering whether they intended to bind members to a single association.
The enrollment order was obtained on January 12, 2024.
