At a special service marking the commencement of the 2025/2026 legal year, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Monday called on the judiciary to uphold its vital role as the guardian of justice and the rule of law. The governor’s message, delivered by his wife, Dr Ibironke Sanwo-Olu, emphasized humility, integrity, and fairness, drawing on the biblical injunction to “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.”
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Speaking at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, the governor’s address combined appreciation with encouragement. He thanked the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba, and all judicial officers for their resilience and dedication during the previous legal year.
“Your firm commitment has truly upheld the principles of justice, fairness, and integrity in our state. As we step into this new legal year, I encourage you to embrace it with renewed strength, renewed wisdom, and humility,” the governor said.
Sanwo-Olu described the judiciary as the protector of justice and the assurance for every citizen that fairness is a tangible reality. He stressed that an independent and courageous judiciary is essential for democracy to thrive. Highlighting reforms and investments by his administration, the governor noted the launch of a new practice direction on noncustodial sentencing by the Lagos State District Court, the completion of a commercial court in Tapa, Lagos Island, and the provision of residential apartments for magistrates in Ketu.
“We are proud of the ongoing reforms within the judiciary, especially in case management, digitalisation of court processes, and exploration of alternative dispute resolution methods. These efforts continue to position Lagos as a shining example for the rest of the nation,” he added.
Earlier, the Bishop of Lagos West, Rt. Rev. (Dr) James Olusola Odedeji, delivered a sermon urging judges and judicial officers to uphold righteousness in a society he described as “awkwardly religious but evilly corrupt.” Quoting from 2 Chronicles and Amos, the bishop lamented the prevalence of injustice, prolonged lawsuits, and a judiciary where fairness is often inaccessible to the poor.
“Justice is bought by higher bidders, and the poor are denied fairness, equity, and justice,” the bishop said, warning against religious hypocrisy, nepotism, bribery, and a culture where moral uprightness is ridiculed. He prayed for the judiciary to be granted renewed strength and wisdom to carry out their duties with courage and integrity in the year ahead.
At the Lagos Central Mosque, Deputy Governor Dr Obafemi Hamzat decried the influence of social media in shaping public opinions on law and governance. He warned against unqualified individuals presenting themselves as legal or economic experts and criticised the trend of condemning judicial rulings without proper knowledge. Hamzat urged judges to remain steadfast, unaffected by such ignorant criticisms.
Chief Judge Justice Kazeem Alogba praised the state government’s support, describing Governor Sanwo-Olu and his deputy as strong pillars of Lagos’s justice administration. He reassured Lagosians of the judiciary’s commitment to impartiality, vowing to resist all forms of temptation and uphold the rule of law.
The service also featured a lecture by Professor Saheed Timehin, who highlighted the judiciary’s role as the conscience of the legal system and the last hope of the common man. He described justice as a sacred duty carrying immense moral and spiritual responsibility, warning that compromising it for fear, favour, or bribery betrays both the constitution and divine trust.
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