The 2026/2027 legal year has commenced in Lagos State with a call for renewed commitment to judicial independence, integrity, and efficient justice delivery. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, alongside religious leaders and key stakeholders, made the call at thanksgiving services held at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, and the Lagos Central Mosque. The events marked the formal commencement of the new legal year, with stakeholders emphasizing the need for a timely, accessible, and fair justice system.
Sanwo-Olu, represented by Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, urged the judiciary to uphold independence, fairness, accountability, and respect for the rule of law. He described the new legal year as an opportunity to recommit to values that sustain justice. The governor noted that a thriving society depends on the assurance that rights will be protected, disputes fairly resolved, and contracts respected, especially in a complex state like Lagos.
The Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos West, Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Dr James Odedeji, emphasized integrity and accountability in his sermon at the cathedral. He described judicial and legal offices as positions of trust, urging members of the legal profession to reflect on their responsibilities. Odedeji noted that their decisions affect lives, liberty, property, and reputations, and warned against abuse of authority.
The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Lawal Pedro (SAN), represented Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat at the central mosque. He said the government would continue to invest in justice-sector infrastructure, professional development, and measures to expand access to justice. Pedro identified delays in case disposal as a key challenge, stressing that responsibility for efficient justice extends beyond the judiciary to all stakeholders.
The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba, assured that judicial officers would continue to uphold the rule of law. He urged the public to channel complaints through proper procedures while encouraging constructive criticism. At the mosque, the Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Sulaiman Abu-Nolla, warned against allowing wealth, status, or personal relationships to influence justice.
Other speakers, including Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, and Professor Saheed Timehin, called for improved public understanding of the law and cautioned against selective justice. They emphasized that the law must apply equally to all, regardless of social standing.
The events marked a renewed commitment to improving the justice system in Lagos State. Key stakeholders, including judges, magistrates, lawyers, government officials, and members of the public, attended the services, which aimed to promote a culture of integrity and accountability in the judiciary.
Key points
- The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called for renewed commitment to judicial independence, integrity, and efficient justice delivery as the 2026/2027 legal year begins.
- The judiciary has been urged to uphold independence, fairness, accountability, and respect for the rule of law.
- Stakeholders have emphasized the need for a timely, accessible, and fair justice system in Lagos State.
