Fayemi presents Lawyers In Cassocks And Surplices… A Classical Path

Music lawyers recently converge on the Cathedral Church of St. Jude Ebute-Meta to unveil David Olusoga Fayemi’s commemorative booklet on lawyers in music. The event was climax of activities celebrating 90th Choir Festival of the oldest church choir on Mainland Lagos.

The booklet featured 90 music lawyers in Nigeria, starting with father of music lawyers in the country, Justice Tunji Sowande, a member of the music family of the Sowande of Lagos, which also boasts of the legendary Fela Sowande.

The event also signalled the flagging-off of the newly inducted Lagos Lawyers Choir Ensemble, which was performed by Chief Richard Ahonaruogho (SAN).

Chairman of the event, Professor Bayo Adaralegbe of Wale Babalakin & Co explained reason music and law are a huge allure for lawyers.

He also explained how Fayemi masterfully teased the audience at the well-attended ceremony to put aside other pressing matter to witness the unveiling of latest and historic booklet, titled, Lawyers in Cassocks and Surplices: A Classical Path in the Nigerian Music Terrain.

The chief launcher, Mr. Moyosore Jubril Onigbanjo (SAN), confessed that the book and the event were an eye opener for him as he did not know that some of his colleagues in the inner Bar were into music.

He singled out the likes of Mr. Bidemi Oyesanya (SAN) and Sir Kayode Adeluola (SAN), both of whom performed at the event.

According to him, they are formidable adversaries in courtrooms not only because they are well grounded in law, but also because they have mastered the art of edifying God in praise and singing, which explains why God in turn also hearken to their voices.

He charged not only music lawyers in the country to get a copy of the book, but also all lawyers and all lovers of music to do likewise.

Mr Babatunde Dike Ogala (SAN) took turn to launch the book on behalf himself and his wife, Hon. Justice Oyindamola Ogala, and all lovers of music.

Also at the event was Hon. Justice E.O. Ogundare and Hon. Justice Bukunola Adebiyi the team lead of the members of the Bar and Bench at the Cathedral of St. Jude as well as the Deputy Chancellor of the Diocese.

Delivering the special address at the event, Justice Taiwo O. Taiwo, who delved into the importance of music, especially Christian music in his address, titled, ‘Music Ministry in Nigeria’.

Other dignitaries include Mr. Mayo Ayilaran, the chief executive officer of the Music Copyright Society of Nigeria (MCSN), NBA officials including the vice chairman of the Lagos Branch of the NBA, Mrs. Esther Ijeoma Jimoh, retired CBN top executive, Mr. Kunle Jenrola, the Ven. Femi Fashina and Ambassador E. Ola Taiwo to mention but a few.

The church choir serenaded the audience with many compositions both foreign and local including, Ascribe unto the Lord by S.S. Wesley; Charles Wood’s O Thou the Central Orb, Bidemi Oyesanya’s Ladugbo and Shalayo to mention a few.