Sanwo-Olu pledges support for judicial reform

Commends judiciary on digitisation of court processes

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reiterated his administration’s support for the judiciary and its ongoing reform as well as the key project.

He also commended the judiciary on its digitisation of court processes across the state, noting that it has helped to reduce delay, bring the judiciary closer to the people and make it more transparent.

Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his wife, Dr Ibijoke, yesterday, during the special thanksgiving service to mark the opening of the 2024/2025 New Legal Year held at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos, reiterated his administration’s support for the judiciary to ensure adequate resources were provided for sustainability.

He, however, commended the judges for upholding justice and the rule of law and the significant strides made by Lagos judiciary, particularly in the areas of digitalisation, judicial appointments and training programmes for judges.

“The vital role you play in interpreting the law, adjudicating civil and criminal matters and providing mechanisms for alternative dispute resolution are immensely instrumental in achieving an effective justice delivery.

“The construction of new court complexes and renovation of the existing judicial infrastructure have fostered a more conducive environment for justice administration,” he said.

He also said that digitalisation of court processes had helped to eliminate delays in filing cases, ensuring that justice is delivered more swiftly and efficiently.

The governor acknowledged the steady increase in the number of judges within the state.

Also, the Diocesan Bishop of the Cathedral, Rt. Revd. Ifedola Okupevi, in his sermon, titled “God of Justice, God of Peace,” charged judges and lawyers to uphold the truth always.

He urged judges to refrain from being partial to pervert the course of justice, saying:” The judiciary is the hope of the citizens in Nigeria, both rich and poor, because justice delayed, is justice denied.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, in a response to a lecture given by two Islamic scholars at the Lagos Central Mosque, refuted the scholars’ assertion that the application of Sharia Law would be a benchmark for justice in the hereafter, saying that Nigeria’s constitution is secular.

He prayed for divine guidance for the judges in their administration of justice and called for increased collaboration to support the judiciary.

Also, Imam Majeed Eleha, in his lecture, titled: “Exploring the Role of the Judiciary in Revitalising Nigeria’s Economy through an Islamic Lens,” said that righteous judges would receive special recognition from Allah on the day of judgment and be granted safe passage to paradise for their service to humanity.

He, therefore, urged judges, magistrates, and lawyers to remain impartial and uphold justice without fear or favour, noting that their role as representatives of Allah on earth is crucial to societal development and economic prosperity.