Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called on judges, lawyers, and other stakeholders in the justice sector to uphold the independence, integrity, and credibility of the judiciary. Speaking through the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, at the special service marking the opening of the 2026/2027 Legal Year, Sanwo-Olu emphasized the importance of strong and enduring institutions. He noted that institutions of justice must outlive the individuals and governments that administer them.
Sanwo-Olu stated that the commencement of another legal year provided an opportunity to reflect on the importance of strong and enduring institutions. He insisted that each new legal year is a reminder that while public office holders and administrations are temporary, institutions established to serve the people must endure. The governor said that the legacy of his administration should not be measured solely by roads, infrastructure, and completed projects, but also by the strength of institutions it had supported, public confidence, and systems established for future generations.
The governor noted that the judiciary occupied a special position in this regard, stressing that a thriving economy required more than sound policies and physical infrastructure. He called on citizens and businesses to have confidence that their rights would be protected, contractual disputes could be resolved, the rule of law would be upheld, and everyone, regardless of status, would have access to justice. Sanwo-Olu emphasized that this assurance is particularly important for Lagos, with its enormous population, vibrant economy, and complex social dynamics.
Sanwo-Olu assured that the Lagos State Government would continue to fulfil its constitutional responsibilities by supporting initiatives aimed at improving access to justice, strengthening the administration of justice, and making the justice system more responsive to the needs of the people. He urged members of the judiciary and the legal profession to recognize that administrations would change, challenges would evolve, and office holders would eventually leave, but the institution of justice must remain independent and uncompromised.
The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, who represented the state’s Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, maintained that an effective justice system was essential to sustaining the rule of law, protecting rights, and supporting Lagos’ economic development. Pedro argued that the government would continue to invest in justice-sector infrastructure, professional development, and measures to expand access to justice. The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba, pledged that judges and magistrates would continue to uphold the rule of law and discharge their responsibilities with diligence.
The Diocesan Bishop of Lagos West, the Rt Rev (Dr) James Odedeji, in his message, urged judges, lawyers, and other stakeholders in the Nigerian justice system to make faithfulness, integrity, humility, and accountability the defining principles of their professional conduct. He reminded the legal community that, beyond the courts and human systems of justice, there is a higher standard of accountability before God. Bishop Odedeji warned that positions of authority should not become instruments for arrogance, oppression, or personal enrichment.
Key points
- Sanwo-Olu emphasizes the importance of upholding judicial integrity and independence.
- The governor assures that the Lagos State Government will continue to support initiatives aimed at improving access to justice.
- The Diocesan Bishop of Lagos West urges judges, lawyers, and stakeholders to make faithfulness, integrity, humility, and accountability the defining principles of their professional conduct.
