The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Owerri Branch, has impeached its Chairman, Prof. Mazi Udegbulem, following a unanimous vote by 215 members at an Extraordinary General Meeting held at the branch’s Bar Centre on November 10.
The members also resolved to notify banks not to honour financial instruments issued by Udegbulem and the Branch Treasurer, while calling for disciplinary action against individuals accused of disrupting meetings during the leadership crisis.
The impeachment followed months of controversy over the management of a ₦100 million donation made by the Imo State Government in August 2026 to support members’ participation in the NBA Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt.
The dispute began after members questioned how the funds were handled and demanded an investigation. A five-member committee was eventually constituted by the branch, chaired by Chidi Nworka, to examine the receipt, management and disbursement of the money.
Its report allegedly identified financial irregularities involving Udegbulem, the Branch Treasurer and other officials, including alleged misappropriation and diversion of funds. The report was adopted at the November 10 meeting.
Udegbulem had challenged the branch committee’s activities in court and previously denied financial wrongdoing, questioning the impartiality of the investigation.
215 Members Vote for Removal
At the meeting, former Branch Secretary, Chinedu Agu, moved a motion calling on Udegbulem to step aside to allow members deliberate on his removal. He subsequently moved the impeachment motion, which was seconded by Chukwuemeka Anyanwu.
Following disagreements over the proceedings, members voted at the Hon. Justice P. C. Onumajulu Square. According to the account of the meeting, all 215 members present voted in favour of the motion, with no vote against it.
The meeting was presided over after intervention by former branch chairmen, including Emeka Nwagwu, SAN, and Dec Madu.
Banks, Acting Chairman and Disciplinary Measures
Following the impeachment, members resolved that the Vice Chairman should assume office as Acting Chairman.
They also directed that banks dealing with the branch be formally notified not to honour financial instructions issued by Udegbulem and the Treasurer. The meeting further resolved to remove Udegbulem as administrator of the branch’s WhatsApp platforms.
Members also called for disciplinary proceedings against those accused of disrupting branch meetings during the dispute.
The crisis had earlier led to competing investigations, court actions and disagreements over the conduct of general meetings. Previous attempts to convene extraordinary meetings were reportedly disrupted by disputes over access to the Bar Centre and the agenda.
The branch’s latest decision marks a major escalation in the leadership dispute, which has centred on accountability for the ₦100 million government donation.
However, the allegations of financial misconduct remain subject to any final judicial or disciplinary determination.
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