Advancing the Rule of Law in West Africa: Highlights from the 2026 Africa West Area Conference

On August 28, 2026, the Africa West Area of the J. Reuben Clark Law Society (JRCLS), in collaboration with the Nigerian Bar Association, held its annual Africa West Area Conference at the Port Harcourt Central Stake Centre in Rumoumasi, Port Harcourt City, Rivers State, Nigeria. Convened under the theme “Transformative Leadership Through the Rule of Law: The Role of Lawyers in Building a Democratic, Accountable and Prosperous West African Society,” the gathering drew lawyers, politicians, human rights advocates, academics, community and opinion leaders, civil society leaders, and students for a timely conversation on how the rule of law can foster transformative leadership across the region. In all, approximately 76 members joined the conference, either in person or virtually, representing the Africa West Area and other countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and the United States.

The conference opened with remarks from Anslem Ike, Esq., Chair of the Africa West Area of the JRCLS. Welcoming participants and panelists, he explained that the event was rooted in the Society’s broader commitment to good governance, religious freedom, service to vulnerable communities, and the rule of law. He emphasized that transformative leadership is not simply inherited but is learned and shaped through institutions, everyday interactions, the application of the law, and social environments. He then challenged the conference attendees to reflect deeply on the theme with a view to building a more democratic, accountable, and prosperous West African society in which the rule of law prevails at all times. 

The keynote address was delivered by Professor Allswell Muzan, former Dean of Law at Rivers State University, Port Harcourt. Tracing the historical roots of the subject, Professor Muzan highlighted the important contributions of great philosophers–such as Emperor Justinian and Thomas Aquinas–to the development of the rule of law, and submitted that their influence has remained potent to this day in the quest for a better society. He also reflected on the continuing gap between the constitutional guarantee of the rule of law in West African countries and its implementation in practice. 

Although the constitutions of West African nations expressly guarantee the rule of law, Professor Muzan observed, the reverse is often true on the ground as many leaders remain nonchalant about strengthening the legal institutions that would enthrone it. Drawing on notable examples of transformative leaders such as Thomas Jefferson of the United States, Lee Kuan Yew of Singapore, Julius Nyerere of Tanzania, and Nelson Mandela of South Africa, he indicated their roles anchoring governance on the rule of law. His address underscored that leadership grounded in the rule of law can secure a prosperous West African society free of corruption, nepotism, and other sundry vices. 

The keynote was followed by a presentation from Abigail Archeampong, President of the Ghana Student Chapter, who spoke on the rule of law. She explored its central role in establishing a just and fair society and warned that its absence only breeds anarchy and lawlessness.

A panel discussion followed, moderated by Joshua Eweke and organized around the conference theme. The panel featured Hon. Victor Idem Udobong; President Mugabe Amadi; Bishop Ikio Matthew Bein Bein, and Sister Weyinmi R.W. Wonodi, Chapter Chair of the Nigeria Chapter Port Harcourt of the JRCLS. Across the discussion, the panelists agreed that transformative leadership in West Africa requires more than formal constitutional guarantees; it demands the meaningful implementation of the various canons of the rule of law. A transformative leader, they noted, must be charismatic and visionary, must possess a strong sense of justice and an altruistic spirit, and must be transparent and accountable to the people. Above all, such a leader must have the ability to organize and strengthen legal institutions, including through the manner of appointment of judges and magistrates. 

Elder Scot Waterfall and his amiable wife, Sister Waterfall, of the Africa West Area Legal Counsel Office, presented a report on the legal state of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in West Africa. They encouraged members to become actively involved in the affairs of the JRCLS so as to access the opportunities available through the Church’s legal office. 

Conference attendees also heard an address by Amy Larsen, Executive Director of the JRCLS, who acknowledged the efforts of the JRCLS Africa West Area. She encouraged members to uphold the objectives of the Law Society at all times by mentoring law students and junior practitioners. 

The conference also witnesses the inauguration of the new Area and Chapter leadership:

• Dr. Anne Chinasa Mpamah was announced as the new Africa West Area Chair, effective October 2026. 

• Weyinmi R.W. Wonodi was named the new chair of the Nigeria Port Harcourt Chapter, with Hon. Victor Idem Udobong as Chair-elect. 

• Oluwatosi Daminola Mesi was named chair of the Nigeria Abuja Chapter, with Prince Ojoka as Chair-elect. 

• Irene Obiarinze was named chair of the Nigeria Lagos Chapter. 

These leaders each shared expressions of joy at coming together to discuss common issues touching on societal growth and well-being.

By convening this dialogue, the JRCLS Africa West Area and the Nigerian Bar Association reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing religious freedom, protecting vulnerable communities, and strengthening the rule of law in West African societies. 

The conference was brought to a close with a sumptuous dinner. The Africa West Area now looks forward to next year’s conference, which is scheduled to take place in Liberia on a date to be announced.  

Special thanks go to the members of the organizing committee, including Dr. Anne Chinasa Mpamah (Chairperson), Blamo Kofa, Frederick Amara, Irene Obiarinze, and Dimkpa Geoffrey Lemuel.