Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the independence of the judiciary, stressing the need to safeguard the rights of legal practitioners and allow judges to deliver judgments based on logical evidence without fear or intimidation.
The Governor, represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, made the remarks at the Special Prayer commemorating the commencement of the 2025/2026 Legal Year held at the Lagos Central Mosque, Lagos Island.
Sanwo-Olu cautioned against the rising wave of uninformed social media commentary and baseless criticism of judicial rulings, describing the trend as dangerous to public trust in the justice system.
“Judgments are not made in marketplaces but in courts of law after careful deliberation. Disagreements must be pursued through proper legal channels or legislative reforms, not through disparagement of the bench,” he said.
Commending judges for their resilience, impartiality, and courage, the Governor highlighted the heavy caseload managed by Lagos State judges, describing them as among the best in the country. He reaffirmed that justice remains the foundation of governance and urged Nigerians to respect judicial processes.
Earlier, the Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Sulaiman Olohuntoyin Abou-Nolla, emphasised that the legal year symbolises the collective pursuit of justice, equity, and the rule of law, values which he said are rooted both in civil society and in the teachings of Islam.
Delivering a lecture titled “Dispensing Ambivalent Justice, A Sacred Duty of the Judiciary in Achieving a Tranquil and Corruption-Free Society”, Prof. Saheed Timehin described the judiciary as one of the most critical pillars of governance. He noted that its independence and impartiality are not only constitutional obligations but also sacred duties, carrying divine accountability.
He warned that delays, inconsistencies, or external interference in judicial processes erode public confidence and fuel corruption and instability. Prof. Timehin urged government at all levels to strengthen the judiciary, describing its integrity and independence as non-negotiable values vital for peace, unity, and national progress.
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