Chief Gani Fawehinmi V. Nigerian Bar Association & Ors (1989)

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Obaseki, J.S.C.

On the 17th day of January, 1989, I overruled the objection of the appellant to the hearing of the addresses of Chief F. R. A. Williams, S.A.N., E. A. Molajo, S.A.N and Kehinde Sofola, S.A.N. (and more particularly, Chief F. R. A. Williams, S.A.N. who appeared as counsel for the Nigerian Bar Association and Mr. Kehinde Sofola, S.A.N. who appeared as counsel for Chief F. R. A. Williams, S.A.N. and Mr. E. A. Molajo, S.A.N.) from the Bar and reserved my reasons till today. I now proceed to give them.

On the 4th day of October, 1988 when this appeal came up for hearing, appearances were announced as follows from the Bar:

“Appellant ln Person

Chief F.R.A. Williams, S.A.N. For the Nigerian Bar Association (with him, Uche Nwokedi) and Kehinde Sofola, S.A.N.

Mr. Kehinde Sofola,S.A.N. For Chief F. R. A. Williams (with him, Miss O. A. Obaseki and E. A. Molajo, S.A.N.

and M. A. O. Okupe) For 5th Respondent,

Mr. O. Adio (Director of Civil Litigation, Federal Ministry of Justice, Lagos) General Council of the Bar.”

Chief Gani Fawehinmi, the appellant, was then called on to argue his appeal. He informed the Court that he had filed a brief of argument and that he relied entirely on the submissions contained therein. He then elaborated on some of the points made in the brief after giving a brief narration of the facts. He went on and concluded his argument in the appeal. At the close of his submission, further hearing in the appeal was adjourned to 8th November, 1988, counsel for the Respondents having applied earlier for adjournment. At the adjourned date, the case was called. Then the appellant and counsel for the Respondents announced their appearance as follows:

“Appellant In person

Kehinde Sofola, S.A.N. (with For the Nigerian Bar

Him, Miss. O. A. Obaseki and Association and Mr.

M. A. O. Okojie)

Chief F. R. A. Williams For Chief F. R. A. Williams