The Ikorodu branch of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) has organised its 14th Asiwaju Babatunde Olusola Benson Public Lecture, playing host to the finest legal practitioners within Ikorodu and across Lagos State at the Town hall.
Guest Speakers: Prof. Ayo Atsenuwa, Hon. Justice Adesuyi Olateru-Olagbegi, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika and Olumide Aju, spoke on the lecture titled: “Prompt, efficient and effective administration of justice at all times”, which centred around improving level of judicial system’s duty discharge by legal practitioners in Nigeria.
Ironically, the symposium which is aimed at honouring and celebrating the legacy of the Asiwaju of Ikorodu, Chief B.O Benson, SAN, was executed exactly a week after his passing on 24 June, 2021.
Abimbola Ojedokun, Chairman of Ikorodu NBA in his speech addressed the JUSUN strike which affected the operations of courts across the state and also post Covid-19/EndSars Protests respectively.
“Our Administration, in holding this event, did not allow the various challenges of Covid-19 pandemic, EndSARS protests and JUSUN strike to affect or hamper the discharge of our duties as the executive committee of the branch. The various committee of the branch like the Legal Aids, Police Duties Solicitors Schemes, Domestic Violence, Child Right and Persons Living with Disabilities, Community intervention etc, have been rendering free legal services to members of the Ikorodu Communities.
“In our determined bid to bring the administration of Justice closer to the well-meaning people of Ikorodu, the current executive of NBA Ikorodu branch appealed to the Lagos state judiciary, through Hon. Chief Judge of Lagos State for a criminal division of the high court and a probate registry to ameliorate the sufferings of the people of Ikorodu and lawyers who have to journey to Ikeja and Lagos Island High Courts for their criminal and probate matters. To this effect, we’re grateful to the Lagos state judiciary and our own Hon. Chief Judge for approving the establishment of a probate registry in Ikorodu while works are still in the process to establish a criminal division.
“My deep appreciation goes to all our executive members (NBA Ikorodu Branch): Olatoun Adekoya, Oluwaseun Aka, Dominic Ajah, Maureen Bolowotan, Nkeiruka Obianozie, Christiana Elekwachi, Titi Oloja, Adebukola Animasaun, Olatunji Oladipupo and Sabastine Nweze for their unrelenting focus to take this administration to better heights amidst all our pressing challenges,” Abimbola Ojedokun added
Driving the topic, which expects lawyers to be prompt, efficient and effective administration of justice at all times, discussants also averred the need for lawyers to stay on course in every measure of their call to duty, thus restoring the trust embedded in the judicial system of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Hon. Justice Adesuyi Olateru-Olagbegi stated in a follow up that a recommendation would be submitted to the judicial rank for a proper amendment of policies which has given lawyers measures to stall and exacerbate cases for no just reasons.
“It is a challenge we have tolerated for a long time which must be addressed to restore the credibility of our justice system in Nigeria,” Justice Adesuyi Asserted
Speaking later, Idowu Benson, son of late Chief B.O Benson, appreciated Ikorodu NBA and Lagos state in general for the love and support towards his family in the wake of the demise of his father, stating that the public lecture is a testament to the extraordinary legacy of the elder statesman which will continue to live on.
Deserving personalities were recognised and given awards of excellence at the event. Some of them include: Professor (Mrs) Ayo Atsenuwa who was recognised for her support towards the Ikorodu NBA; and the Majority Leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Ikorodu Constituency 1, Hon S.O.B Agunbiade.
