Lawyers in music unveil commemorative booklet to mark church’s 90th choir festival

Music lawyers gathered at the Cathedral Church of St. Jude, Ebute-Metta, to unveil David Olusoga Fayemi’s commemorative booklet on lawyers in music, which was the climax of the activities marking the 90th choir festival of the oldest church choir on Mainland, Lagos.

The commemorative booklet symbolically featured 90 music lawyers in Nigeria, starting with the father of music lawyers in the country, in the person of 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 Dr Richard Ahonaruogho (SAN). Chairman of the event, Prof. Bayo Adaralegbe of Wale Babalakin & Co, explained why music and law are always a huge allure for lawyers.

He also explained how Fayemi masterfully teased the audience to put aside other pressing matters to witness the unveiling latest and historic booklet, titled “Lawyers in Cassocks and Surplices: A Classical Path in the Nigerian Music Terrain,”

The Chief Launcher, Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN) said 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 are so deeply into music.

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

This explains why God in turn also harken to their voices. He, therefore, 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.

Babatunde Dike Ogala (SAN) took turns to launch the book on behalf of himself and his wife, Justice Oyindamola Ogala and on behalf of all lovers of music.
Also at the event were Justices E. O. Ogundare and Bukunola Adebiyi, the team lead of the members of the Bar and Bench, as well as the Deputy Chancellor of the Diocese.

In his special address, titled “Music Ministry in Nigeria,” Justice Taiwo O. Taiwo, delved into the importance of music, especially Christian music. Other dignitaries include the Chief Executive Officer of the Music Copyright Society of Nigeria (MCSN), Mayo Ayilaran, NBA officials, including the Vice Chairman of the Lagos branch of the NBA, Esther Ijeoma Jimoh, retired CBN top executive, Kunle Jenrola, the Ven. Femi Fashina and Ambassador E. Ola Taiwo, among others.