The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Abeokuta Branch, has resolved to embark on a three-day boycott of courts within Abeokuta metropolis in protest against certain policies introduced by the Ogun State Judiciary.
Penpushing reports that the association in a statement by its Publicity Secretary Abdulbasit Abolade Shuaib said the policies have continued to impede legal practice and access to justice, disclosing that the strike will be effective from Monday, July 6, 2026 to Wednesday, July 8, 2026.
‘For several months, concerns regarding these policies have consistently formed part of the deliberations at the Branch’s Monthly General Meetings. In response to the concerns expressed by members, the Branch Executive Committee exercised restraint and engaged in extensive consultations and dialogue with relevant stakeholders in an effort to secure an amicable resolution’, the statement read
Penpushing further reports that the branch directed members to boycott attending to cases at Ogun State High Court, Ogun State Customary Court of Appeal; Ogun State Magistrates’ Courts; and Ogun State Customary Courts, all within Abeokuta metropolis
‘The issues giving rise to this action include: The implementation of the Four-Oaths-Per-Day Policy; The astronomical increase in the fee for filing Oaths from ₦200 to over ₦1,500, representing an increase of approximately 650%; and imposition of a ₦100,000 virtual court sitting fee per session’, Shuaib wrote.
Penpushing also reports that the branch maintains that these policies constitute significant obstacles to legal practice and the effective representation of clients, thereby adversely affecting access to justice and the administration of justice within Ogun State.
The lawyers pointed out that despite several interventions, including formal correspondence, meetings, telephone engagements, Bar and Bench discussions, and the involvement of respected elders of the Bar, no satisfactory resolution has been reached.
Penpushing reports that the association said consequently, pursuant to the resolution of the members of the branch, all legal practitioners under the Abeokuta Branch are directed to boycott all legal representation
The association in the statement made available to Penpushing Media emphasized that further information regarding the modalities and implementation of the boycott will be communicated to members in due course.
‘The Branch remains committed to constructive engagement with the Ogun State Judiciary and expresses its readiness to embrace any genuine efforts aimed at resolving these issues in the interest of the legal profession, litigants, and the administration of justice’, Shuaib added.
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