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