By Shalom Oludele
Dr. Reuben O. Atabo, SAN, a renowned Nigerian lawyer, celebrated 36 years at the Bar with a glamorous event in Abuja, attended by esteemed members of the law profession and well-wishers from all spheres of life.
Mrs. Abaro Gloria Haruna, Deputy Head of Chamber, R.O. Atabo, SAN & Co., in her opening remark, highlighted Atabo’s humility, industriousness, and principled advocacy, earning him respect and admiration.
Keynote speaker at the event, Dr. Joseph Akubo (SAN), described Atabo as a man with a golden heart, humble, generous, amiable, and hardworking, always willing to help anyone in need.
In his address titled “Reflections of Legal Practice,” Atabo attributed his successes to God’s mercy, saying, “I give God glory for His grace, wisdom, and strength in this last Thirty-Six (36) years. Indeed, I can classify these periods as periods of amazing grace of God upon my life”.
Atabo highlighted remarkable cases handled by his firm, including Abdu Bello Ho & Anor vs. I & S Int. Ltd (2001), Sulgrave Holdings Inc. & 19 Ors vs. Federal Government of Nigeria & 3 Ors (2012), and Sampson Ebenehi & Anor vs. The State (2009).
Few among other notable cases are Mrs. M. Adama & 3 Ors vs. Kogi State House of Assembly & 5 Orr (2019), Durbar Hotel Plc vs. Mr. Abella Ityough & 4 Ors (2016), and SGT. Akawu Bala vs. Nigerian Army (2024).
Atabo recounted his challenges in taking on the Government of Kaduna State over land disputes, including the acquisition of 814 hectares of farmland without compensating landowners. He refused to bow to pressure to withdraw the case from the court, despite claims that it was injurious to the government.
Another prominent case involved the demolition of Durbar Hotel Plc. building, where Atabo represented the plaintiffs in a landmark judgment delivered by Hon. Justice A. M. Liman J (as he then was) on December 21, 2004.
Atabo’s firm, R.O. Atabo, SAN & Co., has also defended Dangote Industries Limited in a case filed by the Kogi State government, amongst several others. He remarked that his 36 years at the Bar were times of amazing grace, with trials and tribulations, but ultimately, God triumphs.
As part of his social responsibilities, the SAN called on the federal government to bring to book sponsors of incessant killings in Nigeria, attributing the attacks to genocide. He cited the UN Convention on Genocide Prevention, emphasizing that genocide is not just mass killing, but targeted destruction of a people because of who they are.
The lawyer’s call to action comes amid reports of coordinated attacks on indigenous farming communities in Plateau and Benue states, with over 1,336 people killed in Plateau State between December 2023 and February 2024. Atabo urged the government to take immediate action, citing the 1994 Rwandan genocide as a reminder of the dangers of ignoring identity-based violence.
Atabo also advocated for a law to prosecute former political office holders for abuse of power and wrong decisions made while in office, emphasizing that such a law would help control abuse of power by public officials.
This call for accountability comes as a result of growing concerns over impunity and abuse of power in Nigeria, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability.
His commitment to justice and excellence has earned him numerous accolades, solidifying his position as a respected figure in Nigerian law, one of which is his induction into the Ebony Herald International Magazine’s Hall of Fame and Dignity in 2022, recognizing his outstanding contributions to law, upholding justice, and defending the defenseless.
Attendee’s’tributes praised Atabo’s humility, determination, passion for justice, and commitment to doing things the right way.
Mrs. Martha Atabo, wife of Dr. Reuben O. Atabo, SAN, expressed pride in her husband’s growth, saying she has seen the young barrister mature into a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
” I am celebrating my husband’s character, resilience, and excellence,” she said, while wishing him continued success, long life and good health, even as she noted he is a champion for the defenseless.
Sharing fond memories of Dr. Atabo, Mrs. Elizabeth Max-Uba, former Secretary, Counsel of Legal Education, said she has known him since their University of Jos days in 1984, calling him a classmate and fellow 1989 bar admittee.
She described him as passionate about rights and wrongs, averse to “Kankara practices”, and committed to doing things the right way without influence.
According to her, Atabo should have gotten the SAN title 10 years earlier, but “he would always wait for the time to ripen”.
The event also recognized staff members’ dedication, with Josephine Umana, John Edwin, and Danjuma Yakubu receiving awards of longest years of service backed with cash gifts, having worked with the firm for 17, 15, and 10 years respectively.
Some of the personalities that graced the occasion are Dr. Joseph Akubo, SAN; Prof. Josiah Daniel Ebune, SAN; Prof. Agbo Jerry Madaki, PhD;Â Aminu Usman, Chairman of Baba Rice Ltd; Engr. Ahmed Rufai; Tijani Egbunu and wife; Dr Zayyanu Yahaha; Alh. Bashir Hamza; and Alh. Baba Umar Mohammed.
