Okutepa SAN: Nigerian Society Perceives Lawyers As Protectors Of Evil, Calls For Change

Senior Advocate of Nigeria, J.S. Okutepa, has expressed deep concern over the current state of the legal profession in Nigeria. In a heartfelt statement, Okutepa emphasized the need for the profession to restore its dignity and regain the trust of the society it serves.

Okutepa described the legal profession as a “profession of light” that should be visible in the purity of justice, even in the face of darkness. He stressed that the profession must be intolerant of wickedness and evil, and should be seen as a problem-solving entity rather than a part of the problems faced by society.

The Senior Advocate likened members of the legal profession to priests in the temple of justice, with judges as the chief priests and lawyers as ministers. He stated that those who accept positions on the bench should do so not for monetary or pecuniary considerations, but as an honor to serve justice.

Okutepa expressed disappointment that society now perceives members of the legal profession as protectors and defenders of evil, accusing them of murdering justice and the purity of society. He attributed this perception to the actions of some members of the profession who have desecrated their priesthood and priestly ordination.

The Senior Advocate emphasized that the damaged image of the legal profession cannot be repaired by ganging up against people for exercising their freedom of expression. Instead, he called on members of the profession to do what is right and avoid actions prohibited by their code of ethics and conduct.

Okutepa urged the legal profession to promote and foster the cause of justice, create precedents that serve the greatest good and happiness of the people, and refrain from rendering decisions that bring hardship to the people. He stressed that laws should be used to serve the interest of the people, not to keep evil men and women in power.

The Senior Advocate concluded by stating that the legal profession holds the key to the growth and development of Nigeria if the vast majority of its members, both on the bench and at the bar, decide to do what is right in the dispensation of justice. He called on the profession to wake up and start doing what is right, and not be seen as being in conspiracy with the darkness permeating every strata of Nigerian society.