By Onoja Samuel
Abuja – A distinguished gathering of political leaders, business moguls, technocrats, civil society actors, traditional rulers, legal practitioners, opinion leaders, youth groups, religious clerics, as well as friends and family, converged in Abuja to honour newly called legal practitioner, Comrade Oseni M. Kadiri, Esq., popularly known as “Comrade Embassy.”
The dinner ceremony, held at Arcade Club Suites opposite the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, celebrated the milestone of his call to the Nigerian Bar. Guests from across the country commended the celebrant’s achievements and charged him to uphold the highest ideals of the legal profession. Speaker after speaker paid glowing tributes, acknowledging his contributions to society and his commitment to service.
Chairman of the occasion and former Governor of Edo State, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, congratulated the celebrant on his admission into the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the largest Bar in Africa. He noted that Comrade Embassy represents more than just a “new wig,” given his track record across various sectors.
In a light-hearted remark, Oshiomhole described the celebrant as a promising legal practitioner and jokingly proclaimed him his personal lawyer.
He urged the new lawyer to prioritise pro bono services to improve access to justice for the poor. Recounting his own experience of being arraigned on a nine-count charge for alleged disturbance of public peace, Oshiomhole explained how the NBA provided him with free legal representation.
According to him, “There will be many briefs, some of which you must handle pro bono. We live in a society where many people are poor, yet they have rights but cannot afford legal representation. Take briefs from those who can pay, but do not neglect pro bono work. God will bless and prosper you.”
He further encouraged the celebrant to advocate for the review of laws that are oppressive to women, urging him to emulate the legacy of the late Gani Fawehinmi by becoming a voice for the oppressed.
“Let it be said that a young man from Okpella became the mouthpiece of the oppressed, whether men or women,” Oshiomhole added.
The Senator also emphasised the role of lawyers as agents of social change, particularly in promoting reforms that advance the socio-economic rights of women.
Also speaking at the event, Hon. Anamero Dekeri, a member of the House of Representatives, described the celebrant as a goal-getter, mobiliser, and bridge-builder with exceptional leadership qualities. He expressed confidence in his ability to excel in the legal profession.
In a goodwill message on behalf of the Kadiri family, the President of the Iddo-Okpella Development Union (IODU), Alhaji Oseni Zuwedu, praised the celebrant’s humility, intelligence, and dedication. He expressed pride in his achievements and prayed for continued success in his legal career.
Similarly, Hon. Gani Akokhia, representing Etsako West Constituency II in the Edo State House of Assembly, commended the celebrant’s determination to pursue a legal career after completing his earlier academic and national service commitments.
The Speaker of the Legislative Arm of Etsako East Local Government, Hon. Obado Isah, also expressed confidence in the celebrant’s future, urging him to live up to the expectations expressed at the event.
The Nigerian Bar Association Women Forum (NBAWF), led by Hajia Hadiza Afegbua, also attended the event. She praised the celebrant’s accomplishments and described him as a friend of the association, noting the dedication required to successfully complete legal education and be called to the Bar.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of Awards of Excellence to Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Hon. Anamero Dekeri, and HRH Mike Sado.
Dignitaries at the event congratulated the celebrant on reaching this significant professional milestone and encouraged him to uphold integrity, professionalism, diligence, and excellence in his legal practice. They expressed confidence in his ability to make meaningful contributions to the legal profession and the advancement of justice in Nigeria.