Akangbe, SAN, Honoured with Royal Title, Champions Lawyers’ Welfare at NBA Yola Law Week

By Emmanuel Kwada

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Yola Branch’s Law Week reached a memorable high point with the distinguished participation of Mr. Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe, SAN, Managing Partner of Sofunde, Osakwe, Ogundipe & Belgore and a prominent voice in Nigeria’s legal profession.

Akangbe, SAN, a former Chairman of the NBA Lagos Branch and a respected Senior Advocate of Nigeria, arrived in Yola on Monday to warm and enthusiastic receptions from the local Bar, setting the stage for an engaging and impactful visit.

As a key discussant during the keynote address delivered by NBA President Mr. Afam Osigwe, SAN, on the theme “Beyond the Present: The Evolution of a State, the Justice Sector and Lawyers,” Akangbe, SAN, delivered a powerful extemporaneous contribution.

He focused sharply on the welfare of lawyers both young and senior stressing that the NBA Constitution is purposefully crafted to protect their dignity and well-being.

He firmly dismissed any suggestion that lawyers demanding their lawful entitlements reflect an “entitlement mentality,” earning widespread applause for his candid, courageous, and timely insights.

Outside the formal proceedings, Akangbe, SAN, hosted a well-attended informal hangout session at the prestigious Stallion Hotel in Yola.

The event drew a large number of lawyers for mentorship opportunities, professional networking, and open discussions on the future of the legal profession in Nigeria.

In a touching recognition of his humility, leadership, and profound influence, the NBA Yola Branch conferred on him the traditional title “Ardo of NBA Adamawa”, a revered honour that symbolizes nobility, community leadership, and enduring respect.

During the visit, Akangbe, SAN, announced the Yemi Akangbe Free NWLR Online Access Initiative, a groundbreaking welfare program granting complimentary access to the Nigerian Weekly Law Reports (NWLR) Online Platform for 25,000 young lawyers nationwide.

Targeted at lawyers within 0–7 years post-call and available on a first-come, first-served basis, the initiative personally funded by Akangbe, SAN aims to remove barriers to essential legal research, empower early-career practitioners, and elevate standards across the Bar.

Akangbe, SAN, departed Yola on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, accompanied by respectful escorts befitting his stature, concluding a visit characterized by mutual respect, substantive engagement, and meaningful contributions to the legal community.

The event underscored Akangbe’s ongoing commitment to advancing the welfare and professional development of Nigerian lawyers, leaving a lasting positive impression on the Adamawa Bar and beyond.