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We will invest our voice in advocating for governments to spend more on education and justice than on arms.
We will invest our time as everyday architects of peace in our homes, teaching our children tolerance; in our workplaces, mentoring young women lawyers to be peacemakers; and in our courts, defending the dignity of every person.
Let us, from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, Mali, Congo, and Zimbabwe, and all our other chapters worldwide, observe a minute of silence at noon today, and then stand up and take action under the hashtag #InvestInPeace.
True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice. And as women lawyers, we are custodians of that justice.
Let us invest in peace, for everyone, everywhere, every day.
God Bless AWLA. God bless Africa. God bless the United Nations.
Thank you.
Amanda Demechi-Asagba, Esq.
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The African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) Nigeria Chapter, led by its Country Representative, Mrs. Falilat Oluwatoyin Orire, has rejected a disclaimer being circulated on social media concerning the 2026 AWLA International Conference scheduled to be held in Ghana in November. The chapter said the publication does not represent its position and urged members, partners and the public to disregard it.
In a statement dated 5 September 2026 and signed by the Chapter’s General Secretary, Toyin Ndidi Taiwo-Ojo, AWLA Nigeria maintained that the leadership led by Mrs. Orire remains the recognised Nigerian Chapter of AWLA International. The chapter said the persons behind the disputed publication belong to a breakaway faction being pushed by Caroline Ibharuneafe, who had already been suspended by AWLA International.
The official statement and disclaimer are expressed as follows:
5 September 2026
The attention of the duly recognised African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) Nigeria Chapter, led by the Country Representative, Mrs. Falilat Oluwatoyin Orire, has been drawn to a disclaimer currently being circulated on social media and other platforms, purportedly issued on behalf of “AWLA Nigeria”, concerning the 2026 AWLA International Conference scheduled to be held in Ghana in November 2026.
We wish to state unequivocally that the said disclaimer does not emanate from, represent, or reflect the position of the duly recognised AWLA Nigeria Chapter.
The persons behind the said publication are members of a breakaway faction which has already been suspended by the African Women Lawyers Association International following resolutions of the international body.
For the avoidance of doubt, the Executive Council and Country Representatives of AWLA International, at its meeting of 25 June 2026, considered the conduct of the breakaway faction in Nigeria and unanimously resolved that the faction led by Caroline Ibharuneafe, together with its executive members and associates, be suspended from membership, recognition, representation and participation in the affairs of AWLA, with immediate effect. The resolution further expressly prohibited suspended persons from representing AWLA, participating in official AWLA programmes or holding themselves out as authorised representatives of the Association.
A formal Notice of Suspension was subsequently issued to Caroline Ibharuneafe by AWLA International. The notice specifically directed her to cease and desist from using the AWLA name, logo, letterhead and platforms and stated that any act or communication purportedly undertaken by her in the name of AWLA would be null and void ab initio and would not bind the Association.
More importantly, the notice of suspension signed by Yanne Mbiyavanga, Acting Deputy Secretary General, AWLA International, and a formal letter dated 14 August 2026 by the AWLA Nigeria Chapter was addressed to the current President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, through the President Emeritus Mazi Afam Osigwe SAN, forwarding the resolution and notice of suspension concerning the Nigerian breakaway faction.
That letter was duly received and acknowledged by the National Secretariat of the Nigerian Bar Association on 21 August 2026. The documentary record therefore leaves no basis for suggesting that the NBA National Secretariat was unaware of the position of AWLA International regarding the suspension.
THE RECOGNISED AWLA NIGERIA CHAPTER
We reiterate that the AWLA Nigeria Chapter led by Mrs Falilat Oluwatoyin Orire is the recognised Nigerian Chapter of the African Women Lawyers Association International.
This recognition is not merely a matter of internal Nigerian disagreement. It is affirmed by the Founder of AWLA, Hon. Betsy Mould-Iddrisu, as well as the International President, Mrs. Mandy Demechi-Asagba, and is supported by the recognised AWLA structures and chapters across Africa and the South Americas.
The African Women Lawyers Association was founded in 1997 in Kenya, and the organisation has, over the years, built an international structure comprising recognised chapters across the continent and beyond.
It is therefore deeply troubling that individuals operating under a suspended breakaway structure would now attempt to undermine an institution which has been built over decades and, more particularly, seek to declare unlawful the annual International Conference organised by the international body.
CAN A BREAKAWAY CHAPTER DECLARE THE PARENT BODY ILLEGAL?
As learned professionals, we find it increasingly worrisome that the actions of Caroline Ibharuneafe and her cohorts appear to be moving beyond an internal disagreement into what can reasonably be perceived as a calculated attempt to discredit and undermine the institution itself.
Indeed, this is not the first time such a disclaimer has been issued.
A similar attempt was made in respect of the AWLA International Conference held in 2025 at Cotonou, Benin Republic. Despite the disclaimer and attempts to discourage participation, the conference went ahead and was successfully held, becoming one of the best international conferences organised by AWLA International to date.
It is therefore difficult not to view the repeated issuance of such disclaimers as an effort to frustrate, discredit and ultimately destroy what generations of African women lawyers have painstakingly built since AWLA’s establishment in 1997.
Can a child declare his or her parent illegal?
A constituent or breakaway faction cannot, by issuing a press statement or social media disclaimer, arrogate to itself the authority to invalidate the parent organisation or an official event of that parent body.
The recognised AWLA International remains the parent and governing body of its recognised chapters, and the AWLA International Conference is an official programme of the international body.
THE GHANA INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
We therefore wish to make it abundantly clear that the 2026 AWLA International Conference scheduled to take place in Ghana in November 2026 is an official and duly recognised AWLA International event.
It is the annual international gathering through which recognised AWLA chapters and members from across Africa and the global African community come together for professional engagement, networking, advocacy and the advancement of the objectives of the Association.
The conference is not an event organised by the suspended breakaway faction, and its legitimacy does not depend on the approval or participation of that faction.
THIS MATTER IS ALREADY BEFORE THE COURT.
We also consider it important to remind all concerned that the dispute between the contending factions is already before the courts.
It is therefore inappropriate for parties to attempt to determine the substantive issues through competing social media declarations, public accusations and self-serving disclaimers.
The proper forum for the determination of the legal rights of the parties remains the court, and we will respect and abide by the judicial process.
We consequently urge all parties, particularly learned members of the profession, to exercise restraint and allow the judicial process to take its course rather than continually escalating the matter through public pronouncements.
OUR POSITION
Accordingly, the recognised AWLA Nigeria Chapter led by Mrs. Falilat Oluwatoyin Orire hereby:
- Completely dissociates itself from the disclaimer issued and circulated by the suspended breakaway faction;
2. Rejects any attempt by the suspended faction or its members to represent themselves as speaking for AWLA Nigeria;
3. Reaffirms that Mrs. Falilat Oluwatoyin Orire is the recognised Country Representative of AWLA Nigeria;
4. Reaffirms the recognition of the Orire-led Nigerian Chapter by AWLA Founder, Hon. Betsy Mould-Iddrisu, and AWLA International President, Mrs. Mandy Demechi-Asagba;
5. Reaffirms that the 2026 AWLA International Conference in Ghana is an official AWLA International event;
6. Calls on members, partners, stakeholders and the general public to disregard the purported disclaimer and any communication emanating from the suspended faction purporting to speak on behalf of AWLA Nigeria; and
7. Urges all concerned to allow the court to determine the legal issues in dispute, rather than attempting to obtain judgement through social media or public opinion.
AWLA is an institution that has existed since 1997 and has served as a platform for African women lawyers to promote the rights, interests and welfare of women and children. It is therefore incumbent upon all of us, particularly as members of the legal profession, to protect institutional integrity and resolve disagreements through the mechanisms provided by the Constitution, the courts and other lawful processes.
The attempt to rewrite the history, structure and authority of AWLA through social-media disclaimers cannot alter the reality of the Association’s recognised international structure.
For the avoidance of doubt:
AWLA NIGERIA, UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF MRS. FALILAT OLUWATOYIN ORIRE, IS THE RECOGNISED NIGERIAN CHAPTER OF AWLA INTERNATIONAL.
THE AWLA INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE IN GHANA IN NOVEMBER 2026 IS AN OFFICIAL AWLA INTERNATIONAL EVENT.
THE DISCLAIMER ISSUED BY THE SUSPENDED BREAKAWAY FACTION DOES NOT REPRESENT THE POSITION OF AWLA NIGERIA AND SHOULD BE DISREGARDED.
Signed:
Toyin Ndidi Taiwo-Ojo,
General Secretary,
African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) Nigeria
5 September 2026
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The African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA), Nigeria Chapter, Ekiti State Branch, is pleased to announce a Call for Papers for the inaugural volume of its Peer-Reviewed Journal, Volume 1 | 2026.
Under the theme “Beaming Her Light On: Create, Empower, Prosper, Together in Africa,” the journal seeks thoughtful and innovative contributions that examine contemporary legal, social, economic, technological, and governance issues affecting women, children, and communities across Africa.
The publication provides an opportunity for legal practitioners, academics, researchers, scholars, and other professionals to contribute to important conversations shaping Africa’s legal and socio-economic future.
Areas of Interest
Submissions are particularly welcome on the following sub-themes:
- Create: Building Legal Frameworks for the Future
- Prosper: Women Lawyers in Business, Finance & Entrepreneurship
- Together: Cross-Border Collaboration & Legal Practice in the AfCFTA Era
- Beaming Her Light: Women Lawyers as Agents of Justice and Social Change
- Create: Legal Innovation, Technology & AI in African Legal Practice
- Together: Pan-African Solidarity on Constitutionalism, Elections & Democracy
- Together: Cross-Border Protection of Children in the AfCFTA Era
- Equality Before the Law: Ending Discrimination Against Women and Girls
- Together: Pan-African Collaboration on Children in Conflict and Displacement
- Prosper: The Economic Impact of Investing in Children
Submission Guidelines
All submissions will undergo a double-blind peer-review process. The journal is an open access publication, providing wider access to published research.
Manuscripts should:
- Be submitted in Microsoft Word (.docx) format.
- Use Times New Roman, 12-point font, with 1.5-line spacing and 1-inch margins.
- Follow the required structure: Title Page; Abstract; Keywords; Introduction; Discussion; Summary of Findings; Conclusion; and Recommendations.
- Not exceed 7,000 words, including footnotes.
- Use NALT citation style.
- Be written consistently in British English.
- Include a completed copyright agreement from each author.
- Observe the journal’s plagiarism requirements, with a maximum similarity index of 25%.
Submission Deadline: 30 October 2026
Manuscripts and correspondence should be sent electronically to:
ekitiawla@gmail.com
Editorial Crew:
- Dr. Yemi Ogunkorode
- Dr. Olumide Adeniyi – 0903 400 3300
- Mrs. Seun Afolayan – 0703 819 4229
Publication Fee: FREE
Selected papers will be published in the AWLA Peer-Reviewed Journal and may be presented at the AWLA International Conference, scheduled for 18–22 November 2026.
This Call for Papers is published in alignment with the AWLA International Conference.
AWLA invites you to share your knowledge, research, and expertise in advancing justice, equality, innovation, and sustainable development across Africa.
Beaming Her Light On. Creating. Empowering. Prospering. Together in Africa.
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The Country Representative of the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA), Nigeria Chapter, Mrs Falilat Oluwatoyin Orire, has, on behalf of its Executive Committee, expressed its profound appreciation to everyone who contributed to the success of the 10th National Parley and Annual General Meeting (AGM) in 2026 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Mrs Orire described the successful gathering as a reflection of the collective commitment, support, and dedication of AWLA members, partners, and friends of the association.
The Nigeria Chapter particularly extended its gratitude to the founder of AWLA, Hon. Betty Mould-Iddrisu, for her enduring vision, leadership, and commitment to the advancement of women in the legal profession across Africa. The chapter also appreciated the president of AWLA, Mrs Mandy Demechi-Asagba; Amb. Bianca Ojukwu; Hon. Justice S.T. Bello; H.E. Amina Oyiza Bello; Hon. Mrs Ginika Tor; Chief Oluronke Adeyemi, SAN; Mrs Hauwa Liman; Mr Abdulrahaman Olawale Solagberu, Esq., MCIArb (UK); and the numerous patrons of AWLA Nigeria for their continued guidance, support, and efforts towards strengthening the organisation and creating platforms for dialogue, mentorship, professional development and collaboration among women lawyers.
In addition, the AWLA Nigeria Chapter recognised the contributions of the entire Executive Committee; the Parley Planning Committee chaired by Mrs Ngozi Enyosiobi Abafor; various AWLA officials; past leaders; and distinguished members whose efforts helped make the 10th National Parley and AGM a memorable occasion. Their commitment, participation, and teamwork were described as “central to the success of the event and to the continued growth of AWLA Nigeria”.
Special appreciation was also extended to partners, sponsors and supporters who provided financial, institutional and other forms of assistance towards the programme. AWLA Nigeria acknowledged that their support went beyond sponsorship, as it demonstrated confidence in the vision of the association and its commitment to promoting justice, equality, professional excellence and the empowerment of women and girls.
The chapter equally thanked the media organisations, journalists, broadcasters, photographers, content creators and other media partners who helped to bring the activities of the Parley to a wider audience. Through their coverage, reports and publicity, the discussions, achievements and messages of the gathering were able to reach members of the legal profession and the wider public.
AWLA Nigeria further expressed appreciation to all speakers, panellists, facilitators, guests and participants who honoured the invitation and contributed their knowledge and experience to the success of the Parley. Their thoughtful contributions helped enrich the conversations around the challenges facing women lawyers, access to justice, leadership, professional development, human rights and the future of women in the legal profession.
The chapter also thanked every individual and organisation that played a role behind the scenes, including members of the planning and organising teams, volunteers, service providers and everyone whose efforts may not have been publicly visible but were essential to the smooth running of the programme. According to AWLA Nigeria, the success of such a major gathering is always the result of many people working together.
As the association celebrates the successful conclusion of the 10th National Parley and AGM, AWLA Nigeria said the gathering has also provided an opportunity to renew its commitment to the ideals upon which the association was founded. The chapter expressed optimism that the relationships, ideas and partnerships developed during the event would continue to produce meaningful results beyond the Parley.
The Nigeria Chapter has also used the opportunity to remind members, partners and friends of AWLA about the upcoming AWLA International Conference in Accra, Ghana, scheduled for 18 to 22 November 2026. The international gathering is expected to bring together women lawyers and other stakeholders from across Africa and the diaspora for further discussions, networking, professional engagement and the advancement of the association’s shared objectives.
AWLA Nigeria, therefore, called on members, partners, sponsors and friends of the association to continue their support and participation as preparations for the Ghana conference gather momentum. The chapter noted that the upcoming international conference presents another important opportunity for members of AWLA to strengthen the bonds of sisterhood, share experiences across jurisdictions and collectively chart new directions for the organisation.
The Nigeria Chapter and its Executive Committee once again expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the Founder, President Amb. Bianca, AWLA leadership, members, partners, sponsors, media organisations, speakers, guests and everyone who contributed to the success of the 10th National Parley and AGM 2026.
With the successful Parley now, AWLA Nigeria said the association looks forward to carrying the same spirit of unity, service and sisterhood to Accra, Ghana, from 18 to 22 November 2026, as women lawyers from across Africa and beyond gather once again for the AWLA International Conference.
The post AWLA Nigeria Expresses Appreciation to Founder, Int’l President, Supporters and Members for Successful 10th National Parley and AGM; Sets Sights on AWLA Conference Accra 2026 appeared first on The African Women Lawyers Association.