The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Olumide Akpata has refuted reports that he was totally absent at the meeting of the Body of Benchers which held today, 26th of July, 2022.

It has earlier been reported that Akpata was conspicuously absent on at Tuesday’s meeting of the Body of Benchers (BOB).

The meeting, which held at the Body of Benchers Complex in Jabi, Abuja, was well attended by key stakeholders in the legal profession, including the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kayode Ariwoola, past CJNs – Justice Mahmud Mohammed and Justice Walter Onnoghen.

Also in attendance was Justice Mary Odili (Rtd), who doubles as the Vice-Chairman of the Body of Benchers.

Past Presidents of the NBA, including Paul Usoro (SAN); O. C. J. Okocha (SAN); J.B. Daudu (SAN); Okey Wali (SAN) and A.B Mahmud (SAN), amongst several others leaders of the legal profession, were also there some of who participated virtually.

Akpata, who, by virtue of his office, is a member of the BOB, was said to have failed attend Tuesday’s meeting, the first since he requested the BOB Chairman, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) to step down over a petition against a lawyer in Olanipekun’s firm.

However, when contacted, the NBA President dismissed the report that he was absent from the meeting. According to him, he participated in the meeting virtually as he was unable to physically attend register his presence.

The meeting by the BOB was held in furtherance of its traditional preparations for the Call to Bar ceremonies, scheduled for Wednesday, among other important issues bordering on the security of the nation, particularly as it affects the legal profession.

It was learnt that the BOB meeting did not discuss Akpata’s letter on Olanipekun.