Some members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Owerri Branch, have faulted the constitution of a parallel probe committee against the branch chairman, Professor Mazi Udegbulem, describing the move as unconstitutional, regrettable and contrary to the association’s established procedures.
The members argued that the constitution of the parallel committee raises questions about compliance with the NBA Owerri Branch Bye-Law and the authority to convene meetings and establish committees within the association.
Dr. Chukwuemeka Ovuoh, a member of the NBA Owerri Branch, expressed this position during a telephone interview with our reporter, faulting the process that led to the constitution of the committee.
Ovuoh argued that the Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) at which the committee was purportedly constituted was illegally convened, citing Article 11(4) of the NBA Owerri Branch Bye-Law, which, according to him, prescribes the procedure for summoning meetings of the branch.
“The said meeting was illegally convened because, by Article 11(4) of our Bye-Law, it is the duty of the chairman to summon a meeting through the secretary after a proper requisition has been made.
“The requisition letter addressed to the chairman is dated October 2. The same letter fixed a date for the meeting for October 10, 2026, outside the seven days prescribed by Article 11(4) of the NBA Bye-Law. No other organ or persons can validly summon a meeting of the Bar except the chairman.
“The committee that was purportedly constituted at that meeting lacks any iota of legality to function. It is a kangaroo committee. Members of the public should disregard them,” he said.
The NBA member maintained that the procedure for convening meetings and constituting committees must be strictly observed to protect the integrity of the association and prevent actions that could undermine its established institutional framework.
He, however, defended the presence of the NBA Owerri Branch Chairman, Professor Mazi Udegbulem, at the disputed meeting, describing it as an act of respect for the office of the NBA national president and compliance with her directives.
“Our chairman’s attendance at the meeting was to respect the office of the president and nothing more,” Ovuoh maintained.
He also criticised the decision by a section of the branch membership to constitute a parallel probe committee despite the existence of a committee established by the national leadership of the NBA.
Describing the development as regrettable, Ovuoh said the action amounted to insubordination and could undermine the authority of the association’s national leadership.
“The act of insubordination is regretted, and on behalf of NBA Owerri Branch, our chairman has apologised to Madam President, Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okunsanya, SAN.
“It was the handiwork of a disgruntled few whose interest has nothing to do with accountability and the N100 million grant,” he added.
The controversy comes amid disagreements within the branch over the handling of a N100 million grant from the Imo State Government and the constitution of a committee to investigate issues surrounding the funds.
Meanwhile, some other members of the branch, who spoke on condition of anonymity, also called for strict adherence to the rules and procedures governing the association’s activities.
They cautioned members against disregarding the legal and procedural frameworks of the NBA in pursuit of personal interests or ambitions, insisting that the association’s internal disputes should be resolved in accordance with its constitution and applicable bye-laws.
The anonymous members further questioned the legitimacy of the parallel probe committee, arguing that any committee constituted outside the prescribed procedures could face questions about its authority and the validity of its actions.
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