For the next 59 years, leadership of the NBA was a lifetime preferment. Christopher Sapara Williams became Nigeria’s first lawyer in 1888. Some 12 years later, he emerged as the first chairman of the national bar. Sapara Williams served in that role until his untimely death in 1915. His successor was acclaimed colonial collaborator, Sir Kitoye Ajasa. Like Sapara Williams, Sir Ajasa served until his death in 1937. He holds the record as the longest serving national leader of the NBA.
For the Nigerian Bar Association, a time for a bold retool, By Chidi Anselm Odinkalu
