The Anglican Bishop of Ijebu-Southwest diocese, Rt Rev’d Babatunde Ogunbanwo, has charged judicial officers in the country to be bold, confront the rot in the system and stand against every attempt to block dispensation of justice marked by fairness and equity in the country.
Revd Ogunbanwo made this call during the special church service held at the Cathedral of St Peter, Ake, Abeokuta to usher in the 2025/2026 legal year.
The Bishop said that judicial officers must stand up for what is right even when it’s unpopular.
Taking his sermon from the book of Micah 6:8, Rev Ogunbanwo, stated that God requires the judiciary to act justly, dispense justice with mercy and work humbly with him, the ultimate judge.
The cleric noted that presently, the public trust in the legal system is fragile, urging them to rebuild trust, hold justice with mercy, stating that a system without mercy becomes bitter.
He asserted that the legal authority is a sacred trust and prayed that they don’t misuse it as everyone is accountable to a higher judge, God.
“ Humanity guides against the abuse of power, as you enter a new legal year always remember that justice and righteousness is our responsibility. There is so much bitterness in the land and justice must stand.
“ Be bold and ready to confront the system, stand against corruption.Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin (corruption) brings shame to everyone.
The account of Micah gave three clear compass for the legal year-act justice, love mercy and work humbly with the Lord. Justice without mercy can be cruel, hold justice and be merciful but don’t be too timid” he added
Meanwhile, Gov Dapo Abiodun has announced the Federal Government's approval for the establishment of Appeal Court in Ogun State.
Litigants and lawyers in Ogun State have for many years have to travel to Ibadan, Oyo State capital to pursue matters that have to go to the Appellate court.
This is said to have brought with it lots of constraints and inconveniences given the time and additional costs the litigants had to bear traveling from different parts of the state to attend to such matters before the Ibadan Division Court of Appeal.
Gov Abiodun while speaking during the church service however declared that the Federal Government has graciously approved the long-standing request of the state government to have a Court of Appeal established in the state.
The governor has equally urged both members of the bar and bench to continue to embrace integrity, adding that justice cannot thrive without integrity, impartiality, and, of course, courage.
Abiodun maintained that the judiciary remained the only place where the most vulnerable find a voice, and where every man, woman and child feels protected by the Law.
The governor also assured that his administration will continue to provide necessary support and resources to enhance judicial efficiency and to uphold the sanctity of the legal system in Ogun.
He said, "As we continue to respect court orders and judgments, we will also continue to support the judiciary in ensuring equitable dispensation and efficient administration of justice in Ogun state".
"We must try to identify with the fact that a strong and independent judiciary is indispensable to good governance, economic development and social stability.
"Therefore, our administration will continue to provide the necessary support and resources to enhance judicial"
"In furtherance of this commitment, and apart from providing the needed ambience, we have continued to facilitate and strengthen the judicial process in our dear state.
"This is underscored by the continuous and recent appointment of new judges in the State Judiciary, ensuring that the good people of Ogun state can continue to enjoy the dividends of justice as part of the effectiveness of this administration"
"We have finally received the formal approval for the establishment of the Ogun State division of the Federal Court of Appeal in Abeokuta.
"This is indeed a landmark achievement of an initiative proudly and aggressively championed by our administration to bring justice closer to our people and to ease the heavy caseload currently on the Ibadan division.
"As a government, we recognize that justice is the foundation of every prosperous society, and we appreciate the fact that the Ogun State judiciary has not only maintained its independence but has also taken commendable strides towards improving access to justice, reducing case backlogs, and embracing reforms."
Speaking at the event the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Modupeola Dipeolu, commended Gov Abiodun for working hard to get the approval for the establishment of Appeal Court in the state as 85% of cases that are before the Ibadan Court of Appeal are from the state.
Justice Dipeolu said it had been her long held dream since assuming office as the Chief Judge of the state to get the state its division of Court Appeal adding that the development would no doubt helped expand access to justice while also relieving the litigants and lawyers lots of inconveniences.
The Chief Judge said that the bar and the bench would continue to collaborate and dispense justice to Nigerians without fear or favour.
Justice Dipeolu also at a separate programme held at Judiciary Complex, Kobape road, Abeokuta presented awards and gifts to about 20 outstanding judiciary staff as well as 16 other retiring workers for their invaluable contributions while in service.
No comments:
Post a Comment