TheCable

A new professional body of lawyers known as the Law Society of Nigeria (LSN) has been unveiled.

LSN, which was formally introduced on Sunday, may pose a threat to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) which has existed as the sole law association since 1933.

In a statement, Douglas Ogbankwa, who identifies as the national publicity secretary of LSN, described the society as the “new sheriff in town”.

Ogbankwa said no law restricts legal practitioners from seeking an alternative from the NBA.

“In redefining the ideas of the founding fathers of the legal profession in Nigeria, the Law Society of Nigeria, a new professional association of lawyers called to the Nigerian Bar, has been established,” he said.

“This is in keeping with International best practices, which allow for an alternative, to ensure that lawyers thrive within the realm of those they have shared values with.

“The LSN, with membership, spread all over Nigeria, exists to empower the legal profession with quality member services, facilitate access to justice, maintain and advance the cause of justice, and promote the rule of law through advocacy and good governance.”

Ogbankwa said LSN has informed the Body Of Benchers of its activities and new executives via a letter dated October 24.

The NBA leadership is yet to comment on the development.

The most recent, albeit unsuccessful, attempt to break the NBA was the formation of the New Nigerian Bar Association in August 2020 by two northern lawyers Nuhu Ibrahim and Abdulbasit Suleiman.