Lagos Judiciary Opens New Legal Year with Integrity Pledge, Warning Against “Season of Ignorance”.
The Lagos State Judiciary on Monday ushered in the 2025/2026 legal year with solemn reflections, prayers, and renewed pledges to strengthen justice delivery.
The event in Lagos drew senior government officials, judicial officers, and members of the bar and bench.
Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat cautioned against what he called a “season of ignorance,” where unverified social media commentary increasingly shapes public opinion on law and governance.
“Somebody with a Twitter feed and 200,000 followers now pontificates as an economist or legal mind. That is dangerous,” Hamzat said.
“People criticize judgments they have not even read.
Judges should not be depressed by ignorant criticisms but remain steadfast in righteousness.”
Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba, lauded the support of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, pledging that the judiciary will continue to dispense justice impartially.
“Fear God, and you will serve without fear or favor,” Justice Alogba urged, while assuring Lagosians of the judiciary’s commitment to fairness and integrity.
In his lecture, Professor Saheed Timehin underscored the judiciary’s sacred responsibility, describing justice as a moral and spiritual trust beyond legal process.
“The judiciary is the conscience of the legal system and the last hope of the common man,” he said.
Every judgment carries eternal weight. Justice must be free from political influence, economic bias, or social pressure.
The service concluded with prayers for Lagos, Nigeria, and the judiciary, as stakeholders reaffirmed their dedication to truth, fairness, and service to humanity.—
Reporting by Wahab Akinlade