Following the death of foremost lawyers Chief G. O. K. Ajayi, SAN and Chief Theodore Ezeobi, SAN, Mrs. Funke Adekoya, SAN, has called for the setting up of a Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Hall of Fame to immortalise eminent lawyers widely acknowledged to have contributed to  the development of the legal profession in Nigeria.

Adekoya said that such edifice will serve as an inspiration to young to tow the path of honour by emulating these role models and pioneers.

Adekoya  said that the Hall of Fame will boost efforts at restoring professional ethics and values among Nigerian lawyers, adding that this has become urgent in view of rising cases of professional misconduct among some legal practitioners.

Also speaking on the recent murder of two lawyers in Delta State by gunmen, the chartered arbitrator condemned in strong terms the killings, describing same as “dastardly and highly worrisome.”
Supporting the call by the NBA for a full investigation into the killings, she said the incident raises questions as to the security of lawyers in the discharge of their lawful duties to their clients.

She urged the Inspector-General of Police not to leave any stone unturned in speedily bringing to justice the perpetrators of the heinous act.
Adekoya noted that in view of the peculiar dangers lawyers face in highly volatile environments prone to terrorism and kidnapping, additional measures must be taken to protect Nigerian lawyers to ensure that they practice their profession without any hindrance.

It will be recalled that two lawyers Dafiogho Egwuono and Samuel Ekwaghanju, were killed recently in Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State.
The lawyers had filed a Writ of Habeas Corpus praying for an order of the court compelling the police to produce two suspects, Ogaga Enueme and Efe Edhike, arrested since February in connection with various cases of kidnapping and armed robberies.

One of those allegedly kidnapped by the suspects is the son of the Secretary to the State Government. The court had directed the Nigerian Police to arraign the suspects on or before April 2.

However, the Delta State Police Commissioner, Mr Ikechukwu Aduba, had said what on March  27, while the police were taking the suspects to court for arraignment, the escort team ran into an ambush wherein the suspects “suffered fatal gunshots” while the police later received information that the corpses of the two lawyers pursuing the case were seen on the same day at Oil Well 4 near Onwhe flow station, Ozoro.