“Return The N300 million Now” — Adegboruwa Tells NBA Over Rivers State Controversy

Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, has called on the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to immediately refund the N300 million “gift” it received from the Rivers State Government, describing the donation as unjustifiable and morally troubling.

In a strongly-worded statement made available to the press, Adegboruwa said the NBA must not hide behind bureaucracy or semantics to retain the money, especially in light of the hardship faced by ordinary Nigerians.

“Lawyers are the conscience of the society,” Adegboruwa stated. “We are meant to be the defenders of justice and the rule of law. The NBA should not be seen cozying up to any government, especially at a time when democracy is under siege in Rivers State.”

The learned silk proposed that the money be paid into an escrow account with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), pending the full restoration of democratic governance in Rivers. He emphasized, “The NBA is not a bank, and if the money has already been spent, I urge all SANs and senior lawyers to contribute N1 million each to repay it.”

He also criticized the NBA for seeking financial support to host its annual conference, noting that lawyers pay annual practicing fees and are also charged separately for conference participation. According to him, there is no basis for the association to solicit funds from governments.

Describing the situation as “a collective shame,” Adegboruwa urged the elders of the Bar to urgently intervene and salvage the association’s integrity.

The controversy follows the NBA’s recent decision to move its 2025 conference venue from Rivers State to Enugu, in protest against President Bola Tinubu’s controversial appointment of retired naval officer Ibok-ete Ibas to replace Governor Siminalayi Fubara on March 18, 2025 .

First Weekly will continue to monitor developments as this storm brews within the Nigerian legal community.