The Lagos State Ministry of Justice, through its agency, the Bureau of the Public Defender (BPD), formerly known as the Office of the Public Defender (OPD), recently marked 25 years of dedicated service to justice at a commemorative event themed “Honouring the Past, Defending the Future”, held at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
In his goodwill message, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Bolaji Cecilia Dada, lauded the OPD for its steadfast service since its establishment in 2000. He described the agency as a shining example of Lagos State’s commitment to protecting the rights of the vulnerable.
"The OPD has stood for the voiceless, defended the weak, and offered hope to countless residents whilst making justice accessible to everyone in the State," the Governor said, emphasizing the State’s efforts to expand the agency’s offices, support its governing council, and prioritize access to justice as a key pillar of the THEMES Plus Agenda.
Earlier, the Hon. Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, reflected on OPD’s achievements over the years, highlighting its transformation from a modest office into a full-fledged institution securing landmark victories in criminal defence, human rights protection, family matters, child rights, and domestic violence cases.
"For 25 years, OPD has embodied the conscience of our justice sector. It has stood in defence of those who could not stand for themselves and expanded justice to the grassroots. Today, as we celebrate the past, we must recommit ourselves to strengthening the BPD to defend the future of justice in Lagos State," the Attorney-General noted.
In his welcome address, the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mr. Hameed Oyenuga, explained that the theme “Honouring the Past, Defending the Future” reflects the agency’s journey of service, sacrifice, and dedication. He emphasized that access to justice is a right, not a privilege, one that must be upheld with courage and integrity.
The Director of the Bureau, Mrs. Olubunmi Adesomoju, expressed gratitude for the turnout and support at the anniversary celebration. She reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to defending the rights of the vulnerable, pledging to continue innovating and expanding its reach to ensure justice in Lagos State remains accessible and meaningful.
The event featured goodwill messages from foreign partners, recognition of outstanding staff, and a panel session on the future of public defence in Lagos State. It also brought together dignitaries and stakeholders from the judiciary, representatives from Pepperdine University, USA; Public Interest Law Partnership (PILP), NBA, Parastatal Monitoring Office (PMO), RoLAC, UNICEF, Civil Society Organisations, Directors, Heads of Units, and Counsel within the Ministry of Justice.
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