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

The calls were made at thanksgiving services held at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, and the Lagos Central Mosque, attended by judges, magistrates, lawyers, government officials and members of the public.

The services marked the formal commencement of the 2026/2027 legal year, with stakeholders reiterating the need for a justice system that is timely, accessible and fair.

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.

“Administrations will come and go, judges will be appointed and eventually retire. Office holders will change, but the institution of justice must endure and its integrity must remain beyond the reach of personalities and political cycles,” he said.

The governor noted that beyond infrastructure and policies, a thriving society depends on 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 aimed at improving access to justice.

Sanwo-Olu who was represented by Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin urged judges to administer justice without fear or favour, while encouraging lawyers to uphold professional ethics and dignity.

Delivering the sermon at the cathedral, the Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos West, Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Dr James Odedeji, emphasised integrity and accountability, describing judicial and legal offices as positions of trust.

Preaching from 1 Corinthians 4:2, he said, “We are stewards and not owners. Whatever position the Lord has given to us is borrowed.”

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

“A judicial office is a trust. A brief entrusted to a lawyer is a trust. The confidence of a client is a trust,” he said, adding that higher offices come with greater responsibility.

He warned against abuse of authority, stressing that power must not become an instrument of oppression, and reminded practitioners of ultimate accountability before God.

“There is a judge above every judge, there’s an authority above every authority, there is a court from which no appeal is possible,” he said.

The bishop cautioned against compromising integrity for favourable outcomes, noting that winning a case at the expense of conscience does not amount to true success.

“Justice must not be sold. Justice must not be distorted. Justice must not depend on status,” he added.

Earlier, Justice Olutoyin Ipaye, Administrative Judge of the Lagos Judicial Division, read from Ephesians 6:10–18.

At the central mosque, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice,Mr Lawal Pedro (SAN), who represented 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 delays 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.

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

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

Also speaking, Professor Saheed Timehin cautioned against selective justice, stating that the law must apply equally to all, regardless of social standing.