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Alao Aka-Bashorun: The Fearless Advocate Who Challenged Nigeria’s Military Regimes

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How one man’s courage and integrity shaped the legal profession and democracy in Nigeria.

Early Life and Education

Alao Aka-Bashorun was born in 1930 in Lagos State, Nigeria, into a family that valued education, discipline, and moral integrity. Growing up in the cosmopolitan environment of Lagos exposed him early to Nigeria’s evolving political and social realities during the colonial and post-independence periods.

He received his early education in Lagos before travelling abroad for further studies in law. Upon completing his legal education, he was called to the Bar in the 1960s, marking the beginning of what would become one of Nigeria’s most principled and impactful legal careers.

Aka-Bashorun’s passion for justice and fairness was evident from his earliest days as a lawyer. He viewed the legal profession not merely as a means of livelihood, but as a sacred duty to defend truth, uphold human dignity, and challenge oppression.

Rise in the Legal Profession

Over the decades, Alao Aka-Bashorun built a reputation as one of Nigeria’s most respected and uncompromising lawyers. His brilliance in advocacy, coupled with an unwavering moral compass, earned him the admiration of his peers and the respect of the judiciary.

He served in several capacities within the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) before eventually being elected as its President in the 1980s—a period marked by intense political repression and military rule. His leadership style was defined by courage, independence, and a firm belief that lawyers must serve as the conscience of society.

Under his presidency, the NBA became one of the most vocal institutions opposing dictatorship and human rights abuses in Nigeria. Aka-Bashorun frequently used the platform of the Bar to criticise military excesses and advocate for the rule of law, freedom of expression, and the restoration of democratic governance.

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Champion of Human Rights and Democracy

Alao Aka-Bashorun’s tenure as NBA President coincided with some of Nigeria’s most turbulent political years. The 1980s saw the rise and dominance of successive military governments, including those of Generals Muhammadu Buhari and Ibrahim Babangida. Many civil liberties were curtailed, and dissenting voices were silenced.

In this climate of fear, Aka-Bashorun emerged as a courageous voice for justice. He openly challenged government decrees that undermined human rights and the independence of the judiciary. He also defended journalists, activists, and political detainees who faced persecution under the regime.

He believed that the Bar must not remain neutral in times of tyranny. His leadership transformed the NBA into a defender of democracy and social justice, often placing him at odds with the military establishment. Despite facing intimidation and threats, he refused to compromise his convictions.

Aka-Bashorun’s activism extended beyond the courtroom. He worked with other civil society groups to build alliances for democratic reform and transparency in governance. His speeches, writings, and public interventions inspired a generation of young lawyers and activists who later played crucial roles in Nigeria’s democratic transition.

Integrity and Personal Principles

One of the most enduring qualities associated with Alao Aka-Bashorun was his personal integrity. He was known for living modestly and for rejecting offers of political appointment or personal enrichment. To him, public service was a sacred trust, not a means of self-promotion.

He once famously remarked that a lawyer’s duty was to “speak the truth, even when it is dangerous to do so.” This belief guided his entire career and set a moral standard for others in the profession.

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Even after his tenure as NBA president, Aka-Bashorun remained a moral authority within the Nigerian legal community. He continued to mentor younger lawyers, urging them to use their knowledge of the law to advance justice and societal progress.

Death and Legacy

Alao Aka-Bashorun passed away in 2005 at the age of 75. His death marked the end of a remarkable chapter in Nigeria’s legal and civil rights history. However, his ideals—courage, honesty, and service to humanity—continue to inspire generations of legal practitioners and human rights defenders.

In recognition of his contributions, he is often referred to as one of the most principled presidents in the history of the Nigerian Bar Association. His legacy lives on in the continued activism of the NBA, which remains a vital voice in Nigeria’s democratic landscape.

References

Nigerian Bar Association Archives, “Past Presidents and Their Impact on Legal Activism in Nigeria.”

The Guardian (Nigeria), “Alao Aka-Bashorun: The Bar President Who Dared the Military,” 2005.

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Declare Your Lineage – Royal Family Tells Musician KWAM 1 Over His Interest In Becoming Next Awujale Of Ijebuland

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December 7, 2025

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KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

The Fusengbuwa ruling house of Ijebu-Ode, next in line to produce the new Awujale of Ijebuland, Ogun State, has instructed Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, to confirm his family’s royal lineage to validate his membership in the ruling house.

KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

KWAM 1 also stated that his candidacy aligns with Ijebu customary law and the Ogun State Chieftaincy Laws.

In an interview with Punch, the Chairman of the ruling house and former National President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Abdulateef Owoyemi, said only bonafide members of the family would be allowed to participate in the selection process.

Owoyemi explained that KWAM 1, Olori Omooba of Ijebu land and others interested in the stool have been directed to complete the Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form.

According to him, the form, which requires contenders to trace their genealogy back seven generations, ensures that only genuine princes from the family can participate, thereby blocking “strangers” from claiming the throne.

He said, “The first step for anyone interested in contesting for the Awujale throne is to declare their lineage by filling the standard Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form. Once confirmed as a legitimate member of the ruling house, they can then apply for the expression of interest form.

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“We have told him, just like everyone else interested in the Awujale throne, that the first step is to declare his lineage. He will do this by completing the royal lineage data form, showing his full name, which parent and grandparent he descends from, and continuing up to seven generations.

“The completed form will be signed and submitted to the head of the ruling house unit of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, who will affirm that he is a genuine member. Only then will the process move forward.”

Owoyemi emphasised that although the application window for the throne officially closed on December 5, KWAM 1 had been given a five-day extension, which would lapse on December 10.

He noted, “We won’t shut anybody out of picking the next Awujale, but we must ensure that you are a legitimate member of Fusengbuwa. Every right comes with responsibilities. For a royal family, everyone must prove their legitimacy by completing the royal lineage data form.

“When we receive the form, we will review it meticulously. If clarification is needed, we will contact the applicant. We welcome men of influence who will use their influence to enhance the throne, not to claim it, ensuring that what truly belongs to our family is preserved.”

Owoyemi explained that the local government has given them 14 days to select candidates, and the ruling house hopes to have a new Awujale by the second or third week of January 2026.

He added, “The local government has given us 14 days to select candidates, which expires on December 18. After that, the kingmakers have seven days to deliberate and choose one candidate, whose name will be forwarded to the governor.

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“Legally, the government then has 21 days to conduct background checks and security clearance, allowing for objections or protests. After this period, the State Executive Council will ratify the nominee, and the governor will announce the next Awujale, after which coronation rites will commence.

“So, combining the candidate selection, kingmakers’ deliberation, and legal objection period, we are looking at around 42 days. Therefore, we expect the next Awujale to emerge between the second and third week of January.”

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VIDEO: I’m Married But Not In My Husband’s House; I Didn’t Have The Experience Of Living Happily Ever After – Singer Shola Allyson Reveals

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December 7, 2025

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While speaking about her love life, the 54-year-old who came into limelight with a love album ‘Eji Owuro’, revealed that she is married but not living with her husband.

Sola Allyson, the popular Nigerian gospel singer, has revealed that she is not currently living with her husband.

The musician made this known in her latest interview on Oyinmomo TV.

While speaking about her love life, the 54-year-old who came into limelight with a love album ‘Eji Owuro’, revealed that she is married but not living with her husband.

Sharing her marital experience, the singer said she has never enjoyed the kind of happiness many people describe.

“I’m married, but I’m not in my husband’s house. We live separately. He in his house and I in mine.”

The interviewer asked: “You sang ‘Eji Owuro’, did you experience genuine love from your husband?

She replied, “We lied before. Those older than us didn’t inform us that it’s tough. They made us believe that so long as you both love each other, you will live happily ever after, but it’s a lie.

“That’s not the experience I have. I didn’t have the experience of living happily ever after. I did all I could to make it work.

“Marriage has been a big challenge. I hear people talk about joy in marriage, but I have never experienced it.”

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VIDEO: Shola Allyson Finally Opens Up, Reveals Why She Does Not Reference Jesus In Her Songs

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7 hours ago

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December 7, 2025

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Recall that Allyson, who is regarded as a gospel singer, was dragged on social media in March 2025 for not directly referencing ‘Jesus’ in all her songs.

Shola Allyson, the renowned Nigerian songstress, has opened up on the real reason she avoids mentioning the name of Jesus in all her songs.

Recall that Allyson, who is regarded as a gospel singer, was dragged on social media in March 2025 for not directly referencing ‘Jesus’ in all her songs.

Reacting to her critics in a post on X, the songstress stated that “No one can bully me into joining their darkness that looks like light because indolent souls find comfort in it”.

Finally revealing her reason for not mentioning Jesus in her songs, Shola Allyson on Saturday during her latest interview on Oyinmomo TV, stated that Jesus did not ask her to do PR for him.

She said “I’m not a religious singer. As I am, I have never introduced myself as a gospel singer. My name is Shola Allyson. I’m a singer”.

Interviewer; “Some people said you don’t mention ‘Jesus’ name’ in all your songs”.

She quickly responded “Jesus did not instruct us to mention his name in songs nor did Jesus ask us to do PR for Him”.

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