Lagos State Chief Judge, Justice Oluwafunmilayo Atilade, has pleaded with the state governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, to pay salaries of judges in the state.
Speaking at the commissioning of High/Magistrate Court in Ikeja, yesterday, the state’s Chief Judge noted that the need for more courtrooms in Lagos could not be overemphasized.
Speaking at the commissioning of High/Magistrate Court in Ikeja, yesterday, the state’s Chief Judge noted that the need for more courtrooms in Lagos could not be overemphasized.
She said: “Today marks another landmark in the Lagos State Judiciary. In January 2015, the Court complex in Epe was commissioned. This new High/Magistrate Court (Rosaline Omotoso Courthouse) that is to be commissioned today has 2 High Courts and 4 Magistrate’S Courts, which is in line with ensuring quick dispensation of cases and justice.
“The Lagos State Judiciary has witnessed tremendous projects. The need for more courtrooms in the Lagos State Judiciary cannot be overemphasized. Let me reiterate our commitment to effective justice delivery in Lagos State.”
“We use this medium to ask the state’s Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN, to release the January salary of the Lagos State Judiciary. Once again, we thank the Lagos State Governor for his unflinching support.”
Lagos State Attorney-General & Commissioner of Justice, Mr. Adeola Ipaye, in his welcome address, pointed out that the objective was not just to have a large number of courtrooms but also a modern place for judges and magistrates to carry out their constitutional duty.
“We hope that this courthouse will offer a most conducive hub for dissolution of disputes. The idea came in 2008.
“The courthouse has six fully air-conditioned courtrooms for judges and magistrates. It also has separate cells for male and female awaiting trial. This courthouse will no doubt enhance justice delivery in Lagos State,” Ipaye said.
He thanked the Lagos Chief Judge on the role she played in ensuring that the recent strike embarked upon by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, JUSUN, was quickly suspended in the state.
Commissioning the Rosaline Omotoso Courthouse, Governor Fashola, who was obviously displeased with the issue of salary raised by the Chief Judge at the event, posited that he didn’t think the independence of the judiciary in Lagos was being held by him.
He said: “I will be the last person to undermine the independence of the judiciary. We have a constitution that can work more efficiently. If we write the best constitution and we are not ready to implement it, it won’t give us anything.
“As a state, we have the right to solve our problems in our own unique way. And in that order, I hereby declare Rosaline Omotoso Courthouse open.”
The commissioning of the new courthouse was witnessed by traditional rulers, State Executive Council Members, Solicitor-General & Permanent Secretary- Ministry of Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro SAN, judges and magistrates.
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