• 8th from left, Dr Hamzat, 7th from left, CJ Justice Alogba, 6th from left, Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sheik Suleiman Abu-Nolla;AG Lawal Pedro SAN and other judges of the High Court after the year 2025/2026 new legal year service at Central mosque, Nnamdi Azikiwe street, Lagos
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has reaffirmed his commitment to justice and judicial reforms in the state.
Sanwo-Olu said this at the 2025/2026 new legal year service which was held at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina in Lagos.
The governor was represented by his wife, Dr. Claudia Sanwo-Olu.
Sanwo-Olu, in his good will message, commended the judiciary for its resilience, dedication, and reforms that had enhanced access to justice.
He praised the judiciary for introducing practice directions on non-custodial sentencing and improving case management through digitalisation of court processes.
Sanwo-Olu said his government had invested in judicial infrastructure, including the construction of a new commercial court at Tapa, Lagos Island, to ease business operations, and residential apartments for magistrates and legal officers to support their welfare.
“These reforms and investments will further strengthen the administration of justice, boost public confidence, and promote Lagos as a hub for commerce and innovation.
“This thanksgiving serves as a reminder of the divine calling of leaders, lawyers, and judges to serve with humility, wisdom, and integrity,” he said
The governor further congratulated the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Kazeem Alogba, for successfully steering the judiciary in the past legal year, while also appreciating judges, magistrates, and members of the bar for their service.
In a related development, the
Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat has urged Judges not to be depressed by ignorant criticisms but should remain steadfast in righteousness.
He stated this yesterday while speaking at a special service to mark the opening of the new legal year 2025/2026 held at the Lagos Central Mosque, Nnamdi Azikiwe street, Lagos.
The event brought together top government officials, judicial officers, and members of the bar and bench.
The event was marked with solemn reflections, prayers, and renewed commitments to the cause of justice.
Dr. Hamzat lamented what he
described as a “season of ignorance” in the country where unverified opinions from social media content creators are increasingly shaping public discourse on sensitive matters, including law and governance.
“Everybody has suddenly become an expert.
“Somebody with a Twitter feed and 200,000 followers now pontificates as an economist or a legal mind. That is dangerous. People criticize judgments they have not even read, and this trend undermines respect for the judiciary. ”
He stressed the need for Nigerians to appreciate the work of judges and the sanctity of the rule of law, warning against the mob-style condemnation of judicial pronouncements.
In his own message, the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba, commended the unwavering support of the state government to the judiciary.
He described Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy as strong pillars of the administration of justice in Lagos.
“Fear God, and you will serve without fear or favor,” Justice Alogba charged.
“We assure Lagosians that the judiciary will remain committed to dispensing justice impartially, resisting every form of temptation, and ensuring that the rule of law continues to thrive.”
He also paid tribute to retired judges and promised that the bench in Lagos State will continue to uphold its sacred responsibility to the people.
Delivering the lecture at the service, Professor Saheed Timehin emphasized that justice is not merely a legal process but a sacred duty of immense moral and spiritual weight.
According to him, the judiciary must remain a bastion of fairness, accountability, and transparency if Nigeria is to build a just and corruption-free society.
“The judiciary is the conscience of the legal system and the last hope of the common man.
“To sit on the bench is to shoulder responsibility not just to man but to God. Every judgment and every ruling has eternal weight. Justice must be unambiguous—free from political influence, economic bias, or social pressure.”
He warned that compromise of justice for fear, favor, or bribery amounts to betrayal, not only of the Constitution but of divine trust.
The new legal year service ended with prayers for the judiciary, Lagos State, and the nation, with stakeholders reaffirming their dedication to truth, fairness, and service to humanity.
