The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay, has directed the Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA) to immediately set a date for its Annual General Meeting (AGM), stating that the current leadership has no legal authority to indefinitely postpone the statutory meeting.
In a strongly worded letter dated 2 June 2026 and addressed to the President of the SLBA, the Attorney-General raised concerns over what he described as serious issues affecting the rule of law, governance standards, and democratic accountability within the legal profession.
He noted that the current SLBA Executive assumed office on 17 May 2024 and, under Article 20 of the Association’s governing documents, its two-year mandate expired on 17 May 2026. While acknowledging a provision allowing the President to remain in office until a successor is elected, he stressed that this clause only serves as a temporary continuity mechanism and does not permit an indefinite extension of tenure.
According to him, the Executive is now operating in a caretaker capacity, limited strictly to routine administrative duties and lacking the authority to take major governance decisions on behalf of the Association.
The Attorney-General further challenged the Executive’s 1 June 2026 announcement postponing the AGM indefinitely, describing it as inconsistent with legal requirements. Citing Section 185(1) of the Companies Act 2009, he emphasized that organisations are required to hold Annual General Meetings at least once every year, with no more than fifteen months between meetings.
He argued that an indefinite postponement effectively amounts to cancellation of the AGM and constitutes a breach of statutory obligations, adding that the outgoing Executive has no legal power to alter governance structures, extend its mandate, or make binding decisions affecting members without proper legal or constitutional authority.
He further stated that such actions can only be valid if authorized by the High Court or through a resolution passed by members at a duly constituted general meeting.
The Attorney-General stressed that the AGM is a right of the membership and not a discretionary function of the Executive, adding that only members have the authority to decide on elections and other key governance matters.
As a result, he instructed the SLBA leadership to immediately withdraw the indefinite postponement notice and announce a specific date for the AGM without delay. He also directed that all members be formally informed that the meeting will proceed in line with statutory and constitutional requirements.
He warned that compliance with these directives is not optional, stressing that the legal profession cannot advocate for the rule of law externally while failing to uphold it within its own institutional structures.
“The Postponement Notice raises questions of legality, the Executive’s mandate has expired, and the AGM must proceed,” he stated, adding that ultimate authority rests with the membership in general assembly.
He concluded by urging immediate compliance, noting that further legal and constitutional measures remain available to ensure adherence to the Companies Act and the SLBA’s governing framework.
