A legal dispute is threatening the conduct of the 2026 National Officers’ Election of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), with an Oyo State High Court order currently restraining key officials from proceeding with the exercise.

In response, the Nigerian Law Society (NLS) has proposed that the Law Society of Lesotho act as an independent and neutral umpire to conduct the election as part of an out-of-court settlement.

The proposal was contained in a letter dated March 6, 2026, signed by NLS Executive Director Dr. Tonye Clinton Jaja and addressed to NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, and Jibrin Samuel Okupeta, SAN, counsel to the plaintiffs in the suit challenging the election.

The suit stems from allegations questioning the impartiality of the NBA President and members of the electoral committee in overseeing the forthcoming poll scheduled for July 2026. Proceedings have been halted after the plaintiffs secured an interim injunction.

In an ex parte ruling dated March 4, 2026, Justice G. A. Opayinka restrained members of the electoral committee and the NBA President from presenting themselves as officials of the electoral body or taking further steps toward conducting the election pending determination of the motion on notice.

The judge also barred the NBA President from constituting or influencing the composition of the electoral committee, effectively putting the election process on hold.

The plaintiffs in the case include Ibrahim Lawal, Raymond Oki, Omotan Olusola Ogunmodede, and Chief Gabriel Ojo Adekunle Ijalana, while the defendants include the Incorporated Trustees of the NBA, the NBA President, the Body of Benchers, and other senior legal practitioners.

In its letter, the NLS described the proposal to involve the Law Society of Lesotho as a mechanism to resolve the dispute and restore confidence in the electoral process.

“We propose an intervention for an out-of-court settlement alternative whereby the Law Society of Lesotho is appointed to act as an external, independent and neutral umpire,” parts of the letter read.

The society urged the parties to respond promptly to enable the drafting and signing of a settlement agreement, saying a quick resolution would serve the broader interests of the legal profession.

The court has adjourned the matter to March 12, 2026, for hearing of the interlocutory injunction application, leaving the fate of the election uncertain pending further proceedings.