Lawyer Criticizes Exclusion Of Traditional Religion…

An Abuja-based human rights and public interest lawyer, Ikechukwu Obasi, has criticised the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) over the alleged exclusion of traditional religious activities from the programme of its upcoming annual general conference.

Key Highlights

• Lawyer Ikechukwu Obasi has criticised the NBA over the alleged exclusion of traditional religious activities from its 2026 conference programme.
• He noted that the programme includes Jumaat prayers and a church service but no activities representing traditional religious beliefs.
• Obasi cited constitutional provisions on freedom of religion, expression and protection against discrimination.
• He urged the NBA to promote greater religious inclusivity in its programmes.
• The NBA’s 2026 annual general conference is scheduled to hold in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The 2026 NBA annual general conference is scheduled to take place in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, later this month.

Obasi, in a statement shared on his official Facebook page, commended the NBA President, Afam Osigwe, SAN, for preparations for the conference but questioned what he described as an imbalance in the religious activities listed in the programme.

According to the lawyer, the programme makes provision for Jumaat prayers and a church service but does not include activities reflecting traditional religious beliefs.

“There is Jumaat Prayer, Church service, what of traditional religious divination or shrine activities? Lawyers like Chief Malcolm Omirhobo is a traditionalist who has even demonstrated same before the Supreme Court,” Obasi said.

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He said he has raised a similar concern during his participation in the NBA Yenagoa Campus, urging the association to ensure that its programmes reflect inclusivity and respect for different beliefs.

Obasi questioned why, in his view, Islam and Christianity appeared to have been given preference, while other religious perspectives were not represented.

He referenced Sections 10, 38, 39 and 42 of the 1999 Constitution, which address the secular character of the Nigerian state, freedom of thought, conscience and religion, freedom of expression, and protection against discrimination.

“This requires deep reflection. I feel other religious and non-religious beliefs are marginalised. Like minds should really start speaking up,” he said.

The lawyer called on the NBA to reconsider the programme and ensure that members with traditional or other religious and non-religious beliefs are not excluded.