The National Investment Board (NIB) has directed the Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA) to proceed with its Annual General Meeting (AGM) and elections as scheduled for June 5 and 6, 2026, in Lungi, bringing clarity to a dispute over the association’s leadership transition.
The directive follows an application filed by lawyer Ebunoluwa Finda Tengbe, who challenged the SLBA Executive’s decision to indefinitely postpone the AGM through a notice issued on June 1, 2026.
In its ruling on June 4, the NIB held that the postponement was inconsistent with the provisions of the Companies Act, 2009, and the association’s governing documents. It stated that an indefinite postponement effectively amounted to a cancellation of the AGM and undermined statutory compliance requirements.
The SLBA, registered as a company limited by guarantee, last held its AGM in May 2024 in Kenema. The Board noted that the association had since failed to convene another AGM within the legally required period and had not submitted annual returns and audited financial statements, resulting in a governance backlog.
The Board further emphasized that Section 185(1) of the Companies Act requires companies to hold an AGM within 15 months of the previous meeting, warning that failure to comply could undermine accountability and corporate governance standards.
The NIB ordered that the AGM and elections proceed as planned and declared the postponement notice null and void. It also directed that an independent returning officer and election observers be appointed to ensure transparency, fairness, and compliance with legal requirements.
The ruling further instructed the association to prioritize statutory obligations at the AGM, including the presentation of audited accounts, appointment of auditors, and election of new executive officers.
It also ordered the publication of the register of eligible members entitled to participate in the meeting and cautioned current office holders against any actions that could obstruct the implementation of its directives.
The Board noted that postponing the AGM would have extended the tenure of current executives beyond the prescribed period and caused inconvenience and financial losses to members who had already made travel and accommodation arrangements.
Copies of the ruling were sent to the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, the Deputy Minister of Justice, and the Solicitor General, underscoring the significance of the matter.
The intervention is expected to pave the way for a decisive AGM that will determine the future leadership of the Sierra Leone Bar Association and restore confidence in the governance of one of the country’s key professional bodies.
