As the Nigerian Bar Association’s National Executive Council (NEC) Meeting gets underway in Ilorin, delegates are being welcomed today with an unforgettable cultural experience, hosted by Friends of Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN.
The welcome event, holding this afternoon at 2:00pm at the Bar Centre, High Court Premises, Ilorin, is a vibrant celebration of Ilorin’s royal heritage, rich cuisine, and warm hospitality.
In true Ilorin fashion, guests are being treated to an indulgent spread of traditional delicacies: piping hot pounded yam with bush meat, Iya Ila’s signature dish, the iconic Amala Sky served with ewedu, gbegiri, and assorted meats, and the much-loved Tuwo Ilorin, among others. The festive ambience is further elevated by the enchanting sounds of Royal Benbe Ilorin, providing rhythmic entertainment rooted in the city’s cultural pride.
Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN — Life Bencher and proud son of Osun State— extends a warm welcome to all NEC delegates, noting that Ilorin, as a royal and culturally rich city, is honoured to host the nation’s legal leadership.
“As our learned colleagues arrive in this historic city, we are prepared to receive them in the very best of Ilorin tradition — with food, music, and heartfelt hospitality,” he said.
Today’s reception is not only a cultural showcase but also a symbol of unity and respect for the Bar’s highest decision-making body. It marks a graceful start to what is expected to be a productive and impactful NEC meeting.
Called to the Nigerian Bar in 1991, Akinboro has built a remarkable career grounded in advocacy, public service, and institutional development. His elevation to the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2015 and his subsequent confirmation as a Life Bencher in 2018 affirm his longstanding contributions to the legal profession in Nigeria.
Service and Leadership in the Nigerian Bar Association
Akinboro’s leadership within the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) reflects his enduring commitment to legal development and institutional reform. A consummate bar man, he served as the General Secretary of the NBA, where he played a crucial role in administrative restructuring and fostering unity within the Bar. As Past Chairman of the NBA Abuja Branch, he was instrumental in enhancing the profile and effectiveness of the branch, promoting both legal excellence and welfare among practitioners.
Beyond these roles, Akinboro remains actively involved in the NBA at the national level, offering strategic counsel on policies that impact justice delivery and legal practice in Nigeria.
Legal Practice and Arbitration Excellence
Akinboro’s legal expertise spans litigation and advocacy, arbitration and mediation, receivership, and company liquidation. A Harvard University-trained Negotiator and Arbitrator, he is widely respected for his depth in dispute resolution, providing balanced, principled, and innovative legal solutions across commercial and public-interest matters. His early legal career included significant roles in notable legal establishments, including Femi Lanlehin & Co., Adetokunbo Kayode, SAN & Co., and the Plateau State Ministry of Justice.
Recognition and Institutional Involvement
Aare Akinboro’s contributions go beyond courtroom advocacy. He has served on numerous high-level public and professional bodies, including:
- Member, Body of Benchers, Nigeria – the apex regulatory and disciplinary body of the legal profession.
- Member, General Council of the Bar – where he helped shape national policies affecting the legal sector.
- Former Member, Federal Judicial Service Commission – instrumental in judicial appointments and reforms.
- Former Member, Governing Council, University of Benin – advancing legal education and academic governance.
- Former Member, FCT Judicial Council Committee and FCT Land Use and Allocation Committee – playing vital roles in land administration and judicial policy in Nigeria’s capital territory.
He also sits on the board of several companies, providing legal insight and corporate governance expertise, further cementing his role as a trusted advisor in both legal and business spheres.
Also Read: Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN, Felicitates with Newly Inaugurated NBA Damaturu Branch Executives
Cultural Leadership and Community Legacy
In recognition of his professional integrity and societal contributions, Olumuyiwa Akinboro has been honored with the chieftaincy title of Aare, a title symbolizing leadership, responsibility, and service. His legal journey is not only a narrative of personal achievement but also a blueprint for mentorship, institutional development, and justice advocacy.
Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN, embodies the best ideals of the Nigerian Bar—service, scholarship, and leadership. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of lawyers and reformists within and beyond Nigeria’s borders. In every courtroom, boardroom, and legal institution he has served, his influence remains indelible.
