Legal practitioners across Nigeria have been called upon to reiterate their commitment to professional ethics, promote cultural values, and expand access to justice, as the Amuwo Odofin Lawyers Forum marked its first anniversary in Lagos.

A member of the Forum, Uche Uzochukwu, said the legal profession must realign itself with Nigeria’s constitutional values and cultural heritage to effectively contribute to nation-building.

He said that while the legal community is trained to uphold justice, integrity, and equity, continuous efforts are needed to ensure these values are consistently applied in practice. Uzochukwu also addressed the recent controversy surrounding the use of prosecutorial powers in Anambra State, where the Attorney General discontinued a criminal case.

He said the constitution empowers the Attorney Generals to take over or discontinue any criminal matter, adding that the office is not answerable to any external authority apart from thegovernor or president.

Uzochukwu said what occurred in Anambra State falls within the legal bounds of nolle prosequi and that any moral concerns about the decision are separate from its legality.

Speaking on ethical conduct within the legal profession, he said although many lawyers remain committed to their training and professional ethics, there are still a few who operate outside the rules.

Uzochukwu emphasised that the justice system cannot tolerate such behaviour and added that justice obtained by fraud never endures.

Highlighting the achievements of the Forum, the chairman, Chris Aghaonu said the creation of a judicial division in Amuwo Odofin is a major milestone for the legal community and residents of the area.

He said that before now, people living in communities stretching from Kirikiri to Navy Town, Satellite Town, Abule Ado, Ojo, and others had to travel to Badagry, Ikeja, or Lagos Island to attend court.

He said the presence of a high court in the area will significantly reduce the burden on residents and improve access to justice.

He said the Forum has already started community legal outreach programmes, including a free legal clinic held last month, which provided assistance on landlord-tenant disputes, matrimonial issues, and other legal concerns adding that more of such initiatives would be held going forward to serve residents who cannot afford legal representation.

Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Forum’s Board of Trustees, Dr. Peter Adekoya, said that open access to justice is fundamental to the rule of law.

He said congested courtrooms often result in delayed justice, which ultimately amounts to a denial of justice.

Adekoya said lawyers must commit to continuous learning, adding that a lawyer who stops reading is as dangerous to society as an armed robber.