Egbewole, Fagbemi seek stronger democratic institutions
By Isaac Lewu

The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, SAN, has stressed the need to strengthen democratic institutions in the country without undermining fundamental rights and freedoms.
This is just as the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, described constitutionalism as the foundation for effective governance, democratic stability and sustainable development across Africa.
The duo spoke last Thursday (June 11, 2026) at the Biennial Conference on Constitutional Law, organised by the African Network of Constitutional Lawyers (ANCL), in conjunction with the Wahab Egbewole National Disability Rights Moot Competition held at the University Auditorium. The Conference was themed “Reimagining Constitutionalism in Africa: Balancing State Capacity and Non-State Governance.”
In his Keynote Address at the event, the Minister, who was represented by the Managing Partner at Legal Resources Consortium and a former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Ekiti State, Olawale Fapohunda, SAN, maintained that effective constitutionalism must balance authority with accountability, ensuring that governance structures remain responsive to the needs and aspirations of the people.
Prince Fagbemi also underscored the importance of inclusive constitution-making processes, noting that legal frameworks must reflect African political and cultural realities while guaranteeing social and economic rights.
According to him, laws should serve not merely as instruments of regulation but as tools for social justice, national development and the empowerment of historically disadvantaged groups.
The Minister highlighted the growing relevance of international law and technology in contemporary governance, describing technology as a new frontier that continues to reshape legal practice and public administration. He added that legal institutions, including the Office of the Attorney-General, have a critical responsibility to ensure that constitutional principles translate into tangible benefits for citizens.
Prince Fagbemi commended the University of Ilorin for hosting the Conference, describing the gathering as a platform for intellectual engagement and policy innovation.
He urged scholars, legal practitioners and students to continue interrogating existing legal frameworks and contributing ideas that would promote justice, good governance and sustainable development across Africa.
In his speech, Prof. Egbewole stressed that higher institutions must continue to champion intellectual engagement on issues that shape society.
The Vice Chancellor said that the gathering reflected a shared commitment among scholars, policymakers, legal practitioners, civil society actors and development partners to advance constitutional discourse and democratic governance on the African continent, adding that their contributions continue to shape the evolving landscape of constitutionalism and public governance in Africa.
Prof. Egbewole, who is a Member of the Nigerian Body of Benchers, noted that universities have a responsibility beyond knowledge production, adding that they must also provide platforms for constructive dialogue on contemporary societal issues. He explained that conferences of such nature promote intellectual exchange, encourage interdisciplinary collaboration and strengthen the link between academic research and public policy formulation.
The Vice Chancellor expressed confidence in the outcome of the conference, saying that the deliberations would generate practical ideas for strengthening institutions, promoting inclusive governance and deepening democratic values across Africa. He urged participants to engage meaningfully in discussions aimed at charting sustainable pathways towards accountable leadership and resilient democratic systems.
In his address, the Dean of the Faculty of Law, University of Ilorin, Prof. Bashir Adeniyi Omipidan, described the Conference as a significant platform for advancing legal scholarship and strengthening international academic collaboration.
Prof. Omipidan expressed delight at the presence of scholars and legal practitioners from different parts of the world, noting that their participation underscored the growing global recognition of the Faculty and the University as centres of excellence in legal education.
In his welcome address the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Prof. Azubike Onuora-Oguno, expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Egbewole, for his unwavering support towards hosting the Conference, describing the event as a landmark achievement for the institution and the legal community in Africa.
Prof. Onuora-Oguno noted that the Conference attracted participants from several countries, including Australia, Hong Kong, India, Kenya and Nigeria, reflecting its growing international relevance. He also commended members of the Local Organising Committee for their dedication and hard work in ensuring the successful hosting of the event, while expressing optimism that the deliberations would contribute meaningfully to legal scholarship and practice across the continent.
The Chairman of the occasion, who is the Kuliyan Ngeri of Ilorin Emirate, Prof. Yusuf Olaolu Ali, SAN, observed that the constitutional reality in many African societies extends beyond formal state institutions.
Prof. Ali noted that traditional rulers, religious bodies and community-based organisations continue to play significant roles in governance and social regulation. He said these structures often provide leadership and dispute resolution mechanisms that complement state institutions.
The legal scholar, therefore, called for a more inclusive constitutional framework that acknowledges the contributions of non-state actors to governance, stressing that sustainable constitutionalism in Africa must reflect the continent’s unique social and cultural realities.
The Conference also featured the second edition of the Wahab Egbewole National Disability Moot Competition, which attracted participants from universities across Nigeria. The event served as a platform for Law students to demonstrate advocacy skills while promoting awareness of disability rights and constitutional justice.
At the end of the competition, Caleb University, Imota, Lagos State, emerged overall winner, while the University of Port Harcourt and the University of Ilorin placed second and third, respectively.
The contest drew participants from several institutions, including Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife; Lagos State University, Ojo; Crescent University, Abeokuta; Thomas Adewumi University, Oko; Gregory University, Abia State; and Moses Adasu University, Makurdi.
Awards were also presented to outstanding participants. Tolu Adesina of Caleb University and Ridwan Busayo of the University of Ilorin won the prizes for Best Female Oralist and Best Male Oralist, respectively, while the University of Benin received the awards for Best Applicant Memorial and Best Respondent Memorial.
Also present at the event was a Council member, Prof. Maryam Abdulraheem Mustapha; the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Moji Taibat Bakare-Odunola; the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Technology and Innovation), Prof. Muhtar Etudaiye; the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Lere Adeyemi; and the Registrar, Mr Mansur Adeleke Alfanla, among other senior University officials, students and guests.