Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has stressed the importance of protecting the rights and independence of legal practitioners, declaring that judges must be allowed to make judgments based solely on evidence and without fear of intimidation or undue criticism.
The Governor made this known on Monday at the Special Prayer commemorating the commencement of the 2025/2026 Legal Year, held at the Lagos Central Mosque, Lagos Island.
He was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat.Sanwo-Olu maintained that justice remains the foundation of governance in Nigeria and cautioned against attempts to erode judicial credibility through uninformed social media commentary and baseless criticisms.
“Judgments are not made in marketplaces but in courts of law after careful deliberation,” the Governor stated.
“We may criticise, but we cannot deny the law.”He urged citizens to respect judicial processes, warning that undermining the judiciary weakens public trust in institutions.
He also commended Lagos judges for their resilience, impartiality, and diligence despite handling a high volume of cases, describing them as among the best in the country.
Sanwo-Olu further noted that, globally, many nations are facing challenges to human rights, stressing that Nigeria must remain committed to upholding justice and democratic values.
In his opening remarks, the Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Sulaiman Abou-Nolla, highlighted that the new legal year is a reminder of the shared pursuit of justice, equity, and the rule of law.
He emphasised that integrity, compassion, and fairness—values enshrined in both Islam and the state’s legal system—remain vital to building harmony in society.
Delivering a lecture titled “Dispensing Ambivalent Justice, A Sacred Duty of the Judiciary in Achieving a Tranquil and Corruption-Free Society,” Prof. Saheed Timehin reaffirmed that the judiciary is a critical pillar of governance and the last hope of the common man.
He warned that delays, inconsistencies, or external interference in judicial decisions erode public confidence and fuel corruption, impunity, and unrest.
Prof. Timehin urged the government to strengthen the judiciary, safeguard its independence, and ensure timely, uncompromised justice delivery as a pathway to peace, national progress, and unity.
