Bishop urges Lagos judiciary to uphold fairness and integrity

During the 2026/2027 New Legal Year Special Service for the Lagos State Judiciary, the Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos West, Right Rev. James Odedeji, called on judges and lawyers to uphold integrity, fairness, and accountability.

Speaking at the Cathedral Church of Christ in Marina, Lagos, Odedeji emphasized that judicial and legal offices are trusts rather than personal possessions. He warned against allowing wealth, influence, or personal interests to distort justice, stating, “Justice must not be sold. Justice must not be distorted. Justice must not depend on status.”

The Bishop urged legal practitioners to recognize the profound impact their decisions have on the lives, liberty, property, and reputations of citizens. He advised lawyers to pair professional competence with unquestionable character, noting that winning a case without integrity could result in a loss of conscience.