In a report by the NBA Eti-Osa publicity Secretary being the outcome of the joint Bar and Bench meeting held with the Lagos State Judiciary along with other representatives from the other NBA branches in Lagos, the Chief Judge among other issues commented on improper dressing by lawyers.
The NBA Eti-Osa Branch, led by its Acting Chairman, Mr. Lanre Obadina, in company of the branch Secretary, joined six other NBA branches chairmen and secretaries in Lagos at the Bar and Bench Quarterly Meeting held today in the Chief Judge’s Conference Room, Ikeja.
The meeting, presided over by the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba, and attended by the Honourable Attorney General of Lagos State, Lawal Pedro, SAN, along with some other judges, magistrates and judiciary staff, provided a critical platform for interaction on key issues and challenges impacting the legal profession in Lagos.
The NBA Chairmen took their turns to present issues concerning their respective branches. Mr. Lanre Obadina seized the opportunity to present challenges facing the Eti-Osa Branch to the Chief Judge, reinforcing the branch’s commitment to addressing systemic issues and improving the profession’s standards.
Below are the key highlights from the meeting:
1. Warning on Improper Dressing
The Chief Judge issued a stern warning against lawyers appearing in magistrate courts wearing white bibs and collars, describing it as improper dressing. He emphasized the importance of maintaining professional attire and called on the NBA to reeducate its members on proper courtroom attire. The Chief Judge assured attendees that a directive on this matter will soon be released to assist judges and magistrates in enforcing compliance.
2. E-Filing System Improvements
The Chief Judge acknowledged progress in the e-filing system, noting ongoing upgrades and increased efficiency. He highlighted plans for further staff training and urged the NBA to organize similar training for its members to maximize the system’s benefits.
3. Inmate Production Challenges
Addressing the difficulties of producing inmates for court appearances, particularly in Ikorodu and Epe, the Chief Judge detailed efforts to alleviate these challenges, including the use of virtual hearing facilities and plans to provide additional coastal buses. The Attorney General affirmed the state government’s commitment to resolving these issues.
4. Combating Touting and Fake Affidavits
The judiciary is actively tackling touting and the issuance of fake affidavits around court premises. The Chief Judge disclosed ongoing prosecutions of offenders and investigations into judiciary staff involved in theft of exhibits and bribery. He urged members of the Bar to refrain from enabling such acts, emphasizing the need for collective accountability.
5. Courthouse Construction and Renovations
Infrastructure updates shared during the meeting included:
Completion of the courthouse at Tapa, Lagos Island, which will house the Commercial Division of the High Court.
Renovations at J.I.C. Taylor Courthouse, which will accommodate the Criminal Division and selected magistrate courts due to its holding cell facility.
Maintenance and renovation works ongoing across the state’s courts.
6. Power Supply Limitations
The Chief Judge reiterated the current directive limiting generator use in courthouses to between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. but assured participants that relief is underway for affected areas, including the installation of a new generator at the Epe courthouse.
7. New Courthouse for Ojo/Apapa Axis
Plans to establish a new courthouse to service the Ojo-Apapa axis were disclosed, addressing long-standing requests for judicial services in the area.
8. Warehousing Facilities
The Chief Judge briefly mentioned newly readied warehouse facilities, though further details were not provided during the meeting.
NBA Eti-Osa Branch’s Role
Under the leadership of Mr. Lanre Obadina, the NBA Eti-Osa Branch demonstrated its proactive approach to legal development by actively engaging in discussions and presenting its unique challenges to the Chief Judge. This underscores the branch’s dedication to fostering a collaborative relationship with the judiciary and ensuring efficient justice delivery in Lagos.
The meeting concluded with a collective resolve by all stakeholders to address systemic challenges, improve professional standards, and uphold the integrity of the legal profession in Lagos State.
Makinde Akeem Olasunkanmi,
Publicity Secretary,
NBA Eti-Osa Branch.
23rd January, 2025.
