Deji Adeyanju, a member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Citizens’ Liberties Committee, has dismissed claims that the N300 million received from the Rivers State Government was a hosting rights fee for the NBA’s Annual General Conference (AGC). His clarification comes amidst backlash following the NBA’s decision to relocate the 2025 AGC from Port Harcourt to Enugu, citing constitutional concerns in Rivers State.
Adeyanju countered criticisms from Rivers State Sole Administrator, Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), who suggested financial commitments influenced the relocation. He emphasized that the NBA’s decision was based on infrastructure, logistics, security, and suitability not financial donations or political considerations. "The concept of hosting rights has no basis in NBA tradition," Adeyanju stated, asserting that no state can claim hosting rights through bidding or contractual processes.
The NBA’s relocation follows concerns over the unconstitutional governance model in Rivers State under a Sole Administrator. Adeyanju reiterated that the N300 million contribution was made under a constitutionally elected government and emphasized that the NBA would not endorse what he described as an “unconstitutional” governance arrangement.
Adeyanju also defended the association’s independence, stating, “The NBA is not an entity that auctions its conference to the highest bidder. This decision reflects our commitment to uphold national service and legal development.” He added that similar conferences, such as the 2023 AGC in Abuja, received no funding from local authorities, reinforcing the association’s stance on integrity.
Despite public pressure and political backlash, Adeyanju affirmed that the decision to relocate the AGC would not be reversed. He maintained that this move was necessary to uphold constitutional principles and avoid legitimizing governance structures viewed as unconstitutional by legal professionals.
The controversy surrounding the relocation has sparked wider discussions about governance, democratic values, and the role of professional institutions in defending constitutional order. As preparations for the 2025 AGC shift to Enugu, Adeyanju’s remarks underline the NBA’s resolve to prioritize rule of law and democratic principles over convenience or political influence.
