Book Launch: “Never Burn The Bridges You Have Built” —Justice Adejumo, OFR (Rtd)

The Immediate Past President of National Industrial Court, Justice  Babatunde Adejumo, OFR has advised current serving judges to eschew any form of vices that will bring disrepute to the bench.

The retired judge, made this statement on Thursday during the book launch and public presentation of the book titled The Adejumo Judgements and Speeches on Labour Law Held at the Lagos Oriental Hotel.

The book launch and public presentation was held in honour of the great work done by Hon. Justice  Babatunde Adejumo, OFR, during his active serving years as the President of the National Industrial Court since 2003.

Speaking at the event he said “It is important to build bridges in life. Never burn the bridges you have built”

“Those at the bench should not see themselves as the all in all and avoid taking bribes. “Most importantly, Judges should not take decisions when they are angry as that moment because they may end up ruining the life of someone.

I have no regrets retiring from the National Industrial Court as I am very happy that I left the courts in the hands of a person who is  capable,” he said

He urged the new staff to corporate with the new president so they will even do much more.

Justice Adejumo was the first person that did something as an individual which led to the amendment of the constitution and setting up of the National Industrial Court.

Some of his achievements at the National Industrial Court include, increasing the presence of the court to 28 states in the country, grew the staff strength of the court to more than 2000, more graduates now than what he met when he joined.

The book “Judgements and Speeches on Labour Law” was reviewed by Dr. Paul C. Ananaba SAN and edited by Hon. Justice K.I. Amadi and Mr. Chigoziri Onwumere, and published by a reputable publisher, had 727 pages, which he said, was a great work indeed.

The forward was written by Hon. Justice Inyang Okoro of the Supreme Court.

The book has 2 parts, the first part contains 34 selected judgments of Justice Adejumo and the second part have his speeches, 8 in number.

Dr. Paul specifically cited the case of a lady who got employed was sacked by her employer because she got pregnant. Justice Adejumo hearing the matter, ruled that, “due to her sack, therefore, she has been discriminated for being a woman and subjecting her to disability.”

Dr. Paul said beyond part 1 & 2, of the book, there is need for volume 1 & 2 of the 34 judgments in the book, most of it are rulings, with the first judgment being a ruling.

Dr. Paul felt the 8 speeches were very few as there would have been much more because he had listened to Hon. Justice Adejumo speak at different occasions.

The Chairman of the event, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, during his opening remark, said Justice Adejumo has been a close friend to him and was happy being at the event, he prayed that God will continue to take him to greater heights after retirement.

As earlier reported by TheNigerialawyer (TNL) Dr. Wale Babalakin SAN did the book presentation and unveiling.

He praised Hon. Justice Adejumo for his effort in making sure the National Industrial Court was created and ensuring it became a constitutional provision.

“A very difficult job he did because it required amending the constitution, which alone is a herculean task in Nigeria.

“He still stayed back to nurture the court and no court today in the country has the infrastructure of the National Industrial Court, he added.

The event witnessed the presence of dignitaries such as the Oba of Lagos HRM Oba Riliwan Aremu (the Chairman of the occasion), The Governor of Imo state represented by the Attorney General & Commissioner for Justice, Imo State, Ndukwe Nnawuchi SAN; Representative of The President, National Industrial Court of Nigeria; Mr. Aliyu Abubarka, DG Legal Aid Council; Representative of the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court; Mr. Michael Osilama Otu, Company Secretary of Zenith bank PLC; Chief Emeka Ngige, Chairman Council of Legal Education; Dr. Wale Babalakin (Chief launcher of the day); Dr. Paul C. Ananaba SAN, Mrs Olanipekun on behalf of the Class of 85 University of Ife; and a host of several Judges of the National Industrial Court.