A & O Partner emerges Chairman, NBA Lagos

Chukwuka Ikwuazom, a partner in the Disputes practice of Aluko & Oyebode has emerged Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Lagos.

Ikwuazom who heads the firm’s Taxation practice of the firm contested for the position of Chairman of the branch and went head-to-head with Chukwukma Ezeala and John Duru. He won the keenly contested position with 227 votes against Ezeala’s 89 and Duru’s 15.

Following his emergence as Chairman, Ikwazom will lead the Lagos branch also known as the premier branch for the next two years. The new ExCo includes, Bola Animashaun, Vice Chairman; Ikechukwu Uwanna, Secretary; Joy Nzube, Treasurer; Caroline Obi, Financial Secretary; Uchenna Nwadialor, Social Secretary; Nkechi Nnajiofor, Welfare Secretary; Abiola Moshood, Publicity Secretary; Jeffrey Eboh, Legal Adviser; Emmanuel Orhoro, Provost; and George Ukwuoma, Assistant Secretary.

Chukwuka Ikwuazom holds a law degree from the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus; with an LL.M from Columbia University, New York, where he received the Harlan Fiske Stone Prize (for academic excellence) and the Judith R. and Michael E. Thoyer scholarship (for LL.M. students with outstanding academic credentials). He is admitted to both the Nigerian and New York State Bars.

The A&O Partner is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria and a member of its Indirect Tax Faculty; a member of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce International Arbitration Centre (LACIAC), Court of Arbitration; and member, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Petroleum Industry Bill Review Committee.

He is also the Vice Chair of the Employment and Industrial Relations Committee of the NBA Section on Business Law.

Meanwhile, opposing candidate, Chukwuma Ezeala has reached out to the winner with an appreciation and congratulatory message.

He said in his message “I heartily congratulate my friend and colleague, Mr. Chukwuka Ikwuazom for his victory at the poll. May God guide and protect you as you steer the ship of our beloved Premier Bar in the next two years.

“I also wish to thank my Campaign Team for their selfless service and belief in me; and to appreciate the entire electorate for making their voice heard on who governs the Premier Bar in the next two years.

I will not fail to congratulate my learned senior and friend, Mr. John Duru for a noble outing. Thank you all for your support.”

Chukwuma Ezeala has in return, received congratulatory messages for his seeming affability. Speaking of Ezeala’s acceptance of Ikwuazom’s victory, a member of the branch had this to say: “This is magnanimity at its best. I congratulate Ezeala on his victory too. Though he did not emerge Chairman, he certainly won the support and hearts of so many.”

Speaking directly to Ezeala, he added, “Don’t let your supporters go astray. Guide them in good faith, to support the one that God has chosen here. Your victory is also certain,” He thus congratulated the elected newly Chairman, Chukwuka.