Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, religious leaders and some key stakeholders have called for renewed commitment to judicial independence, integrity and efficient justice delivery as the 2026/2027 legal year commenced in the state.

They gave the charge during thanksgiving services to mark the beginning of the 2026/2027 Legal Year, held at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos, and the Lagos Central Mosque, attended by judges, magistrates, lawyers, government officials and members of the public.

In a goodwill message at the Cathedral, Sanwo-Olu urged the judiciary to uphold independence, fairness, accountability and respect for the rule of law, describing the new Legal Year as an opportunity to recommit to values that sustain justice.

The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, noted that beyond infrastructure and policies, a thriving society depends on the assurance that rights would be protected, disputes fairly resolved, and contracts respected, especially in a complex state like Lagos.

He said the effectiveness of the justice system impacts citizens, businesses, investment, and public confidence, assuring that the state government would continue to support efforts to improve access to justice.

Bishop of Lagos West Diocese, Anglican Communion, The Rt. Revd. (Dr) James Olusola Odedeji, while delivering the sermon at the Cathedral, emphasised integrity and accountability, describing judicial and legal offices as positions of trust.

Odedeji urged members of the legal profession to reflect on their responsibilities, noting that their decisions affect lives, liberty, property and reputations.

However, at the Central Mosque, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), who represented the Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, said the government would continue to invest in justice-sector infrastructure, professional development and measures to expand access to justice.

He identified delay in case disposal as a key challenge, stressing that responsibility for efficient justice extends beyond the judiciary to all stakeholders.

Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, called for improved public understanding of the law, including the use of indigenous languages to explain legal processes.

Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba, promised that judicial officers would continue to uphold the rule of law, urging the public to channel complaints through proper procedures while encouraging constructive criticism.

Similarly, Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sheikh Sulaiman Abu-Nolla, warned against allowing wealth, status or personal relationships to influence justice, urging fairness and accountability.

RELATEDLY, the Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos, Alfred Adewale Martins, has urged the judiciary to address complaints that may arise after elections fairly.

Archbishop Martins, who spoke at the 2026 New Legal Year Mass and yearly general meeting (AGM) in Lagos, organised by the National Association of Catholic Lawyers (NACL), charged politicians aspiring to positions to do so based on their capacity, not by attempting to influence people’s decisions with material things.

He admonished politicians not just to prevent violence at all costs, but also to present an agenda that can transform every citizen and the nation.

Chaplain, NACL, Lagos Archdiocese, Rev. Fr. Raymond Anoliefo, said the event marks the end of one tenure and the beginning of another.