I am honoured to be invited to this important lecture that celebrates the legacy of Chief Gani Fawehinmi, a man who represented the very soul of integrity, courage, and justice in the Nigerian legal profession. Gani was not just a lawyer; he was the conscience of the law. To remember him is to examine ourselves.

The theme, “Integrity Deficiency in the Justice Sector: Whither the Legal Profession?”, is both timely and uncomfortable. It forces us to ask whether the law in Nigeria still serves justice or whether it is gradually being reduced to a tool of influence and privilege.

Let me briefly raise three national issues that strike at the heart of integrity in our justice sector.

First is the crisis of public trust in the judiciary.
Today, many Nigerians no longer approach court judgments with confidence but with suspicion. Decisions are often interpreted through the lens of politics, money, or connections rather than law. When the people lose faith in the courts, the rule of law is weakened, and society becomes vulnerable to self-help and disorder. As lawyers, we must defend judicial independence not only in words but in conduct.

Second is the normalisation of unethical legal practices.
Abuse of court processes, frivolous injunctions, forum shopping, and deliberate delays are increasingly seen as “strategy” rather than misconduct. Even more disturbing is that young lawyers are being mentored into this culture. When unethical behaviour becomes professional training, the future of the Bar is in danger. The Bar must regain its moral authority through firm discipline and ethical leadership.

Third is the growing inaccessibility of justice to the poor.
Justice is becoming too slow, too expensive, and too distant for ordinary Nigerians. Legal aid is weak, pro bono work is optional, and court processes are intimidating. Gani Fawehinmi stood with the poor and the oppressed. If we truly honour him, then access to justice must move from rhetoric to reality.

So, whither the legal profession?

It depends on whether we are ready to reclaim our role as custodians of justice rather than negotiators of power.
Whether we are ready to choose integrity over convenience.
Whether we are willing to discipline ourselves before demanding accountability from others.

Gani Fawehinmi showed us that integrity is not a slogan; it is a daily choice.
A choice to speak when silence is safer.
A choice to stand when compromise is easier.

We cannot celebrate his memory and abandon his values. That would be the greatest betrayal of his legacy.

Thank you.

Afam O. Okeke, Esq.
Immediate Past Chairman
NBA Abuja