The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) on Tuesday, 14th October, 2025 held a Town Hall Meeting themed “The Nigerian Advertising Law: The Role of the AOT” — an interactive session aimed at clarifying the legal foundation, jurisdiction, and operational framework of the Advertising Offences Tribunal (AOT), as well as promoting synergy between the legal and advertising sectors.
The event brought together distinguished members of the Bar, the Bench, and the media, featuring a keynote address, panel discussions, and closing remarks — all directed towards deepening understanding of the advertising regulatory regime in Nigeria.
Keynote Address: Clarifying the Jurisdiction of the Advertising Offences Tribunal
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of Chief Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, the learned silk’s representative, Leke Kehinde, Esq., emphasized the importance of properly situating the Advertising Offences Tribunal (AOT) within Nigeria’s constitutional framework.
He explained that the tribunal’s establishment under the ARCON Act is consistent with constitutional provisions, particularly Section 6(5)(j) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers the National Assembly to create tribunals with adjudicatory powers similar to those of regular courts.
According to him, “The Supreme Court has long settled the issue of whether such bodies are validly constituted. The AOT, therefore, operates within the law, and its existence should not be viewed as usurping the jurisdiction of regular courts.”
He further noted that Section 58(3) of the Act grants supervisory jurisdiction to the Federal High Court — a provision designed not to undermine the tribunal but to ensure procedural harmony. Kehinde highlighted that under the repealed Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON) Act, appeals from the Disciplinary Committee went directly to the Court of Appeal. The ARCON Act, he explained, maintains this hierarchy by ensuring that appeals from the AOT proceed directly to the appellate court.
Panel Session: Navigating the Challenges and Misconceptions
The interactive panel session featured four seasoned professionals who brought varying perspectives to the discussion.
Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo (Director General, ARCON)
Dr. Fadolapo opened the discussion by acknowledging resistance to the jurisdiction of the Advertising Offences Tribunal as one of the major challenges confronting the Council.
He emphasized that the tribunal was not created to rival the judiciary but to ensure swift and specialized adjudication in advertising-related matters.
“The AOT is an instrument of discipline and regulation, not competition with the courts. It helps preserve ethical standards in advertising practice while ensuring due process,” he stated.
Leke Kehinde, Esq. (Representing Chief Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN)
Speaking further on behalf of the keynote speaker, Kehinde reiterated the legal validity of the tribunal, stressing that lawyers and stakeholders must align their understanding of the ARCON Act with constitutional realities.
He noted that, “It is important for members of the Bar to appreciate that the ARCON Act was enacted to protect the integrity of the advertising profession and to provide an efficient means of dispute resolution. Challenges to its jurisdiction often stem from misunderstanding, not from legal defect.”
Mr. Odenigbo, a media lawyer and one of the pioneers of modern media law in Nigeria, provided a legal perspective on the AOT’s constitutionality and jurisdiction.
He reaffirmed that jurisdictional objections to the AOT are unfounded, as the Supreme Court has long recognized the National Assembly’s power under Sections 5 and 6 of the Constitution to establish tribunals distinct from the regular courts.
He also referenced Section 58(3) of the ARCON Act, which gives the Federal High Court supervisory oversight over the Tribunal, aligning with the structure under the repealed Act, where appeals from the Disciplinary Committee went directly to the Court of Appeal.
Odenigbo maintained that the AOT’s legal foundation is solid, and its jurisdiction constitutionally sound, urging lawyers to support rather than obstruct its operations.
Mr. Lanre Adisa (Chairman, Heads of Advertising Sectoral Groups – HASG)
In his contribution, Mr. Adisa commended ARCON for fostering dialogue between regulators, lawyers, and industry players. He urged continuous stakeholder engagement to build trust and compliance within the advertising ecosystem.
According to him, “This kind of conversation bridges the gap between the law and practice. The AOT is not an enemy of creativity; it is a guardian of professional ethics.”
In his closing remarks, Mr. Adam Adedimeji, Esq., Chairman of the NBA Lawyers in the Media Forum, commended ARCON for organizing the Town Hall and reaffirmed the commitment of the Forum to deepening collaboration between legal practitioners and media professionals.
He described the event as “a necessary dialogue that strengthens understanding of the law, enhances compliance, and reinforces confidence in regulatory institutions.”
The ARCON Town Hall Meeting on “The Nigerian Advertising Law: The Role of the AOT” underscored a shared commitment among regulators, lawyers, and media professionals to uphold professionalism, clarity, and constitutional order in advertising regulation.
Through the deliberations, it became evident that while jurisdictional misunderstandings persist, consistent education and engagement between the Bar and ARCON will ensure the Advertising Offences Tribunal effectively fulfills its mandate in line with Nigeria’s legal and constitutional framework.