NBA orders three-day boycott of Abeokuta courts over Ogun judicial policies

The Nigerian Bar Association, Abeokuta branch, has ordered its members to boycott courts in the Ogun state capital for three days to protest what it described as anti-justice policies introduced by the state judiciary.

The boycott, scheduled from July 6 to 8, 2026, will affect proceedings at the Ogun State High Court, Court of Customary Appeal, Magistrates’ Courts and Customary Courts in Abeokuta.

The directive is contained in a statement issued by the branch’s publicity secretary, Abdulbasit Abolade Shuaib, on Monday.

According to the NBA, the decision follows months of unsuccessful engagement with the Ogun State judiciary over policies that the association says have continued to frustrate the practice of law and limit access to justice.

Among the controversial policies are the implementation of the “Four Oaths a Day Policy,” an increase in the oath filing fee from ₦200 to over ₦1,500 – representing approximately a 650% increase – and the introduction of a ₦100,000 fee for each virtual court sitting.

The association argued that the measures imposed excessive financial and operational burdens on legal practitioners and litigants.

“The Section contends that these policies constitute significant impediments to the practice of law and effective representation of clients, thereby adversely affecting access to justice and the administration of justice in Ogun State,” the statement read.

The NBA revealed that policy concerns had repeatedly surfaced at its monthly general meetings, prompting the branch executive to engage the judiciary through formal correspondence, meetings, telephone discussions, bar and bench sessions, and consultations with senior members of the legal profession.

However, he said the interventions failed to produce a satisfactory result.

“Despite several interventions, including formal correspondence, meetings, telephone engagements, discussions between lawyers and panels, and the involvement of respected elders of the Bar Association, a satisfactory solution has not been reached,” the statement added.

As a result, the association ordered all lawyers in the Abeokuta branch to stay away from the affected courts during the three-day protest.

While insisting on the need for boycott, the NBA reiterated its commitment to dialogue, expressing willingness to support any genuine effort by the Ogun State judiciary to resolve the dispute.

“The Section remains committed to constructive engagement with the Ogun State judiciary and expresses its readiness to embrace any genuine effort to resolve these issues in the interest of the legal profession, litigants and the administration of justice,” the statement read.

The planned boycott is expected to disrupt court proceedings in Abeokuta during the three-day period, unless both sides reach a last-minute solution.

‘

Want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need advertising for a product, service or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com

We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Please donate any amount HERE