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• Stakeholders charge judicial officers, lawyers on integrity, accountability
The 2026/2027 Legal Year in Lagos State opened with a renewed call for a justice system that is not only independent and credible but also swift enough to meet the needs of citizens whose lives, properties and liberty often depend on timely court decisions.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, religious leaders and key stakeholders made the call at separate thanksgiving services marking the commencement of the new Legal Year, at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina and the Lagos Central Mosque. The events brought together judges, magistrates, lawyers, government officials, religious leaders and other stakeholders, with speakers highlighting the need for judicial integrity, accountability, independence and improved access to justice.
At the Cathedral Church of Christ, Sanwo-Olu urged the judiciary to remain committed to independence, fairness, accountability and the rule of law, describing the beginning of a new Legal Year as an opportunity for members of the legal profession to renew their commitment to the values that sustain justice.
The governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, said the strength of any society depended not only on infrastructure and government policies but also on citizens’ confidence that their rights would be protected, disputes fairly resolved and contractual obligations respected. According to him, this is particularly important in Lagos, where the scale and complexity of economic and social activities place enormous demands on the justice system.
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Sanwo-Olu said an effective justice system had direct implications for citizens, businesses, investment and public confidence, assuring that the state government would continue to support initiatives aimed at strengthening the sector and expanding access to justice.
Bishop of Lagos West Diocese, Anglican Communion, Rt. Revd. James Olusola Odedeji, who delivered the sermon at the Cathedral, placed integrity and accountability at the heart of the responsibilities of judicial officers and legal practitioners. He described judicial and legal offices as positions of trust, urging members of the profession to remain conscious of the far-reaching consequences of their decisions and professional conduct.
He noted that decisions made within the justice system could determine whether a person retained his liberty, property, reputation or other fundamental rights.
