.Promote rule of law, Lagos CJ urges them

Former minister of Works, Babatunde Fashola (SAN) has called on the Federal Government to develop infrastructure that would make art, tourism and talent thrive and drive economic growth.

Fashola made the call at the 2024 Egbe Amofin Oodua’s (Yoruba Lawyers’ Forum) yearly conference in Lagos. He noted that what Nigeria needs to achieve the desired change is inclusive and expansive growth.

The former Governor of Lagos State encouraged members of Egbe Amofin Oodua to promote dispute resolution mechanisms among their clients.
He urged them to rethink their roles as lawyers and act as agents of development in the interest of national growth by ensuring that investors have confidence in the judiciary.

In his remarks, a candidate for the position of NBA 1st Vice President, Reginald Ugwuadu, urged the lawyers to interrogate the challenges facing the administration of justice and proffer solutions.

He urged participants to use their power to strengthen democracy and the rule of law.
Earlier in his address, Dr Kemi Pinhero (SAN) said, an efficient judicial system provides the framework for stability and economic development.
He noted that justice is of great interest to man on earth, adding that it is the ligament that holds civilised society together.

“Without it, there is neither security of life nor liberty. It is crystal clear that a working and functional judicial system plays a major role in maintaining not just law and order but boosting the economy.

“The government must as a matter of great importance take active steps towards reforming the judiciary to ensure the expeditious and fair administration of justice.

“No serious nation prioritises matters relating to the elections over the economy. An efficient judicial system provides the framework for stability and economic development,” Pinhero said.

Meanwhile, the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba has reiterated his promise to foster synergy with members of Egbe Amofin Oodua towards the promotion of the rule of law in the state.

Justice Alogba disclosed this during a cocktail party to open the 2024 National Conference of Egbe Amofin Oodua held in High Court premises, Lagos.
The Chief Judge who was represented by Justice Olutoyin Ipaye said the cocktail became necessary to enable the bench and bar to have a good interaction.

He encouraged members of Egbe Amofin to always promote the Omoluabi concept that the Yoruba race is known for in Nigeria.
He also noted that the first Nigerian to practice law, Sapara Williams, was a Yoruba man.

The CJ, however, admonished the group to mentor young lawyers among its members as a way of guiding them aright.
In his remarks, the chairman of the conference, Kunle Adegoke (SAN) emphasised that the group was not created for ethnic disunity, but the uniqueness of promoting cultural values.

The cocktail party was attended by Justices of the Lagos High Court, including Justice Modupe Nicole Clay, Justice Raliat Adeniyi and Justice Hakeem Oshodi.

The occasion was graced by the publisher of the Supreme Court Judgments, Mr Layi Babatunde (SAN), Deacon Dele Adesina (SAN), other senior lawyers, magistrates and Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) chairman of Ikeja, Ikorodu and other branches of NBA Lagos and South West.