Olanipekun steps in as Chairman of Body of Benchers

Former President of the Nigeria Bar Association Wole Olanipekun, SAN, has assumed office as the 50th chairman of the Body of Benchers.

In his acceptance speech on Thursday, Olanipekun noted that this was the first time that the new chairman and vice chairman were delivering their address at the body’s new building.

“My stepping in as the 50th Chairman of the Body of Benchers this day is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in my eyes. Today marks the first time in the illustrious history of the august Body of Benchers that both the incoming Chairman, as well as the incoming Vice-Chairman will make their acceptance speeches at this magnificent Body of Benchers’ edifice.  Hitherto, past Chairmen and Vice- Chairmen had assumed leadership of this Body and rendered their acceptance speeches at the Supreme Court Chambers (both in Lagos and Abuja), where our meetings were held before our final relocation to this beautiful and befitting building.  What a wonderful and exhilarating coincidence,” he said.

The legal luminary said he has given his best wherever he’s found the opportunity to serve, including as a member of the body since 1992.

He also promised to give his all within the one year he would be in office as the leader of the body.

“In whatever position I found myself, I have always striven to represent our noble profession as an ambassador and exemplar, displaying the learning, good character and virtues which the law profession is reputed for, to the admiration of the non-legal communities. Dear august Members of the Body of Benchers, please pardon this snippet of my antecedents. Perhaps, I am talking in parables because of the times we are in.

“Arising from the foregoing, I pledge to continue to give my all to the services of the Body of Benchers as Chairman for the next year and, in doing so, I will be calling upon you all for your cooperation, understanding, assistance, advice and counsel. Nobody knows it all, and no man born of woman can boast of monopoly of wisdom. I am not insular.”