CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF ARBITRATORS NIGERIA – PRESS RELEASE ON THE JUDGEMENT DELIVERED BY JUSTICE OLATOREGUN-ISHOLA

The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators Nigeria Ltd/ Gte, a nonprofit organisation committed to the development of Arbitration and capacity building in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in Nigeria issues this statement for the benefit of its over 3,000 members and fellows and to the general public.

On 22nd day of October 2018, the Honourable Justice Olatoregun – Ishola of the Federal High Court, Lagos delivered a Judgment in the case of Chartered Institute of Arbitrators v Chartered Institute of Arbitrators Nigeria LTD/GTE, Suit No: FHC/L/CS/341/2009 in which the Learned Judge held that the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators Nigeria, LTD/GTE, which is registered since 1988 under the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was “passing off” its name as that of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators United Kingdom Nigerian Branch, an organization that, till date is not registered in Nigeria, and is not a body corporate known to law.

While we respect the view of the Learned Trial Judge, we, however, strongly disagree with it and have since filed an Appeal at the Court of Appeal, and a Motion for Stay of Execution against the said Judgment ending the determination of the Appeal by the Court of Appeal.

We urge our esteemed members and fellows within the bar and bench, and other professions across different sectors of the Nigerian economy to remain calm and confident that the Appeal is pending before the Court of Appeal, and that the brand and integrity of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators Nigeria Ltd/ Gte will be preserved under the due process of the law.

Any enquiries should be directed to the Registrar/ CEO, Mrs. Shola Oshodi-John (email: [email protected]; tel: 09087187400)