Retired Supreme Court Justice Mary Odili has publicly acknowledged the challenges facing Nigeria while commending the Body of Benchers for its innovative strides. Speaking during a keynote address at their inaugural annual lecture, she urged unity and faith as the nation navigates turbulent times.
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In a rare public appearance, Justice Odili, former Supreme Court Justice and ex-Chairman of the Body of Benchers, addressed a gathering of legal luminaries, emphasizing the importance of continuity and progress in the legal profession. Speaking on behalf of past chairmen at the event, Odili praised the commitment of the current chairman to sustaining past initiatives while introducing new programs aimed at enriching both the legal profession and society.
“I speak on behalf of my colleagues, the past chairmen of the Body of Benchers,” Odili began, expressing delight at the occasion. “We are very happy and we want to commend the current chairman who, in a few days’ time, will join us and will become my junior in that body.” She highlighted the chairman’s dedication to maintaining and strengthening previous programs, adding, “He made sure that whatever programs the other past chairmen had put in place were sustained and energized, for which I thank you.”
Odili particularly praised the introduction of the annual lecture series, describing it as an invaluable addition. “He has brought this innovative program of an annual lecture which has a lot of gains, not only for the Body of Benchers, the legal profession—bench and bar—but for our general society,” she said. The lecture, she explained, is paired with the release of directions from the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), offering a dual benefit. “The annual lecture has not come alone; it has come with the directions from the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee, and so this is a learning process for all of us from which we will be deeply enriched and from which our society will go forth.”
Odili also acknowledged the broader challenges facing the country, emphasizing the need for resilience and spiritual unity. “We are not unmindful of the changing times and the challenges that are accosting our nation at this point in time,” she stated. She noted the timely convergence of religious observances, adding, “Fortunately, the Muslims and Christians are fasting; it means the Almighty God has ensured that invocations to Him are open and resounding.”
She concluded with a call for solidarity: “Therefore, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, let us walk as one for the good of our nation. Thank you.”
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