PROTOCOLS:

Your Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, My Lord, the Honourable Chief Judge of Kwara State, Honourable Justice A. A. Adebara, my Lord, the Grand Kadi of Kwara State Sharia Court of Appeal, Honourable Justice Abdullateef Kamaldeen, My Lords, Honourable Judges of the High Court, Sharia Court of Appeal, Magistrates and Area Court Judges,

The Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Life Benchers, Leaders of the Bar, Distinguished Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Learned Colleagues, Gentlemen of the Press, Ladies and Gentlemen.

INTRODUCTION

It is with great pleasure and a deep sense of responsibility that I welcome you all to this Special Court Session marking the commencement of the 2026/2027 Legal Year. Today, we reflect on the past year, celebrate our modest gains, and set the tone for a new year of justice delivery.

On behalf of about 2, 000 lawyers of NBA Ilorin Branch (The Harmony Bar), I congratulate My Lord the Chief Judge, Judges, Magistrates, and all Judicial Officers for a successful transition into another Legal Year.

1. NEED FOR HARMONIOUS RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE BAR AND KWARA STATE GOVERNMENT

   My Lords, NBA Ilorin Branch is not in competition with the Kwara State Government; we are partners in progress. The Bar is a critical stakeholder in governance, peace, and development. Justice is the bedrock upon which this administration's developmental strides must stand.

   It is in this spirit of partnership that we have continued to enjoy a cordial and harmonious relationship with the Government of Kwara State. We seek to deepen this harmony, not weaken it. The Bar will continue to support Government policies that promote rule of law, justice sector reform, and good governance.

   My Lord, I must use this opportunity to make a passionate appeal to His Excellency. Your Excellency, the official bus of NBA Ilorin Branch, which has served us for over a decade, is now moribund and beyond repair. The Branch, with its increasing membership and numerous activities within and outside the State, is in dire need of mobility. We therefore appeal to our benevolent and Bar-friendly Governor, His Excellency, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, to graciously assist the Branch with a New Coaster Bus. This will go a long way in facilitating our programs, including Legal Aid Services, Prison visits, conferences etc.

2. VALEDICTORY COURT SESSION IN HONOUR OF HON. JUSTICE H. O. AJAYI [RTD.]

   There is no doubt the fact that Hon. Justice H.O. Ajayi (rtd), who has meritoriously retired from the High Court of Kwara State after years of distinguished and dedicated service on the Bench, deserves this commendation.

   Hon. Justice Ajayi distinguished herself as a firm, fearless, and erudite Judge whose judgments enriched our jurisprudence and whose commitment to justice, integrity, and diligence remains an inspiration to both the Bench and the Bar.

   The Valedictory Session is being organized to celebrate her lordship's impactful career, exemplary character, and invaluable contributions to the administration of justice in Kwara State and Nigeria at large.

   The entire Bench, Bar, and the good people of Kwara State join in wishing my Lord a peaceful, healthy, and fulfilling retirement.

3. APPRECIATION FOR 15 BRAND NEW CARS AND A CALL TO DO MORE

   We must place on record our profound appreciation. The NBA Ilorin Branch sincerely thanks His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kwara State, for the recent procurement and distribution of 15 brand new vehicles to Magistrates and Judges of the lower bench. This is indeed laudable and a clear demonstration of His Excellency's commitment to the welfare of judicial officers and the independence of the judiciary. We are grateful, Your Excellency.

   However, My Lord, permit me to say that like Oliver Twist, we must ask for more. The reality on ground is still worrisome. It is a common sight in Ilorin today to see our revered Magistrates and Area Court Judges struggling to board commercial vehicles - Keke Napep and Okada - to get to their courts. My Lords, it is even more disturbing that they sometimes board the same vehicles with Defendants and persons standing trial before them. This is not only demeaning to the exalted office of a Judge, but it also poses a grave security risk and erodes public confidence in the Judiciary.

   We therefore appeal to His Excellency to extend this noble gesture to cover all other judicial officers. Every judicial officer deserves an official vehicle to preserve the dignity, security, and independence of that office.

   We use this opportunity to appreciate His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kwara State for salary and allowance increments of our reserved Magistrates and Judges. They deserve more. May God continue to bless Kwara State and His Excellency.

   However, to whom more is given more is expected. We use this opportunity to implore our Magistrates and Judges of the Lower Bench to continue discharging their judicial functions effectively and efficiently and to continue to treat members of the Bar with dignity and respect they deserve. We should always remember that courts are the last hope of the common men especially the lower courts.

   In the same vein, your Excellency, our High Court Judges also require periodic medical attention in abroad at least once in a year. This is because their judicial functions are tedious and time consuming. Could you imagine our judges sitting between 5 to 6 hours daily in order to attend to cases assigned to their courts. After that they will still not rest they will retired to their chambers preparing for Judgments and Rulings. This certainly affects their health.

4. LAW OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA [LOAN], KWARA STATE CHAPTER INDUSTRIAL ACTION

   My Lord, the Legal Year cannot begin without addressing the lingering industrial action embarked upon by the Law Officers Association of Nigeria, Kwara State Chapter, comprising all State Counsel in the Ministry of Justice. As we all know, the Ministry of Justice is the engine room of justice administration. When State Counsel down tools, criminal prosecutions suffer, civil cases for the Government stall, legal advice is delayed, and the entire justice sector is paralyzed.

   The NBA Ilorin Branch intervened and has been part of the conciliation meetings involving the Office of the Head of Service, the Attorney-General, and LOAN. We are happy to report that significant progress has been made and resolutions have been reached. The Law Officers have shown great patriotism in suspending their action in the interest of the State.

   What is left is for His Excellency to graciously fulfill the promises made in the course of negotiations, particularly as it relates to improved welfare, provision of working tools, harmonization of salaries and allowances of State Counsel with their Magistrate Counterparts in the Judiciary, and conditions of service that befit their status as Ministers in the Temple of Justice. We appeal to His Excellency, a leader known for keeping his promises, to implement these promises without further delay, so that the wheel of justice can move at full speed. Your Excellency we know many of our colleagues in the Ministry of Justice who always past night in their offices in order to discharge their duties timeously, efficiently and effectively, such as the Honourable DPP, DCL and a host of others.

   We pray for Kwara State for continued peace, harmony, and prosperity under the visionary leadership of His Excellency.

   We pray for the Judiciary that Almighty Allah will grant our Lordships wisdom, courage, and good health to dispense justice without fear or favour. May this Legal Year record speedy dispensation of justice.

   We pray for the NBA unity, strength, and progress. May we remain the true voice of the voiceless and the bastion of the rule of law.

   We pray for Nigeria that God will heal our land, restore our economy, secure our people, and make justice reign in our nation.

CONCLUSION

Finally, My Lord, on behalf of the Bar, I assure the Bench of our unalloyed cooperation. We will appear in court prepared, we will treat the court with respect, and we will uphold the ethics of our noble profession. I wish Your Lordships, my learned colleagues, members of staff of the Judiciary, and the good people of Kwara State a prosperous, peaceful, and justice-filled 2026/2027 Legal Year.

Thank you and may God bless Kwara State.

Thank you and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

 

J. S. Muhammad, Esq.
Chairman, NBA Ilorin Branch
2nd October, 2026