Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has expressed his commitment to improve the state’s judiciary by ensuring a conducive environment and better welfare for the third arm of government.
Sanwo-Olu said this would include completing the renovation of the JIC Taylor Court House, (Igbosere Magistrates’ Court), Lagos that was looted and vandalised by hoodlums who took advantage of the anti-police brutality protest of October 22, 2020.
He assured that various court facilities, including the Tapa courthouse on Lagos Island, would also be renovated, and the government would address other essential needs of the magistracy.
He spoke at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Lagos, during a special thanksgiving service for the opening of the 2023/2024 legal year thanksgiving in the state.
He said his administration had “given its commitment to finish the Tapa court, the JIC, Taylor Magistrate Court and also to ensure that all our Magistracy has asked for privately, we will do publicly and more.”
The governor appreciated and encouraged the judiciary, saying it had done well under Chief Judge Justice Kazeem Alogba.
He said,
“The dedication of our legal community has ensured that justice continues to be served even in the most trying times. Therefore, I urge you all to continue in this line, bearing in mind the work you do for the smooth functioning of our society.”
He emphasised the importance of collaboration between the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary, adding that “Building the Lagos State of our dream, requires that all hands be on deck.”
Pledging better support for the judiciary from the executive, he said his administration would do everything within its power “to make the environment conducive, to enable you to discharge your duties without fear or favour”
Earlier, the Diocesan Bishop of Lagos, Rt. Rev Ifedola Okupevi, urged the governor to rule with equity, adding that judges should also allow fairness to show in their judgments.
The event also featured a Jumaat service at the central mosque on Lagos Island featuring Lagos state Chief Judge, Justice Kazeem Alogba.
Justice Alogba highlighted the importance of good behaviour, blaming parents for what he perceived as moral decadence in the society.
He urged parents to take a more active role in nurturing good character and moral conduct.