Ronke Kehinde/
Lagos lawyer and foremost Legal Researcher, Mrs Tomi Ajayi was among 12 new Presidents of Customary Courts and six Magistrates sworn-in Thursday by the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba, at a ceremony hosted by the Lagos State Judicial Service Commission.
According to the Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ikeja Branch, Patrick Agboola Esq, two of the distinguished members of the Branch, Mrs Tomi Ajayi and Mrs Nihinlolawa Aluko-Olokun were appointed as Presidents of Lagos State Customary Court.
Mrs Ajayi holds the Bachelor of Laws Degree of the University of Lagos, Nigeria and Masters of Law in Legislative Drafting from the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies. She had served as the Chairperson, Research Committee of African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) Nigeria Chapter. Her first book published by Malthouse Press is titled ‘Crime Scene and Forensic Investigation: Basics of Tunnel Vision on Interrogation Process’.
Addressing the new judicial officers at the Judicial Service Commission Conference Room in Ikeja, Lagos, the Chief Judge said the event was important because they have chosen to become judicial officers with all the limitations that the position imposes.
“You have deliberately chosen to become prisoners within the prison of the judicial system,” he said.
The Chief Judge of Lagos State who is also Chairman of the Judicial Service Commission, charged the new appointees to uphold the ethics of the judiciary and be honest, fair and judicious in their actions, while also distancing themselves from going beyond their jurisdiction.
Justice Alogba charged them to man their jurisdiction otherwise they would be acting ultra vires.
He added, “Whatever the law permits you to do, you do. Whatever the law doesn’t allow you to do, don’t do otherwise it will earn you summary dismissal.
“As you adjudicate on cases, you will begin to gather enemies, once judgement doesn’t favour them, they will say something against you. That’s the hallmark of this profession. But you must be careful not to allow people to push you or influence you to the detriment of your job. Most importantly, the fear of God should be your watchword in all your dealings.
“You have taken your oath before man and God and must let your conscience guide you to do the right things within the law. Be guided by your conscience. Be upright and follow the rules and abide by the oath you have taken, knowing that if man does not see you, God is seeing you.
“You have become public officials and must not dance nakedly in public.
“You’re now Ambassadors of the judiciary. And you must keep the flag of the judiciary in Lagos State flying always.”
Warning them against illegal acts, the Chief Judge said, “I don’t take compromise lightly. Once one person compromises, it brings the entire system under scrutiny. Your judgements are written and not oral and so you must be proud of what you have written down. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes but let it be seen that they are genuine mistakes.”
Turning to the new Magistrates, he admonished them to be studious.
“Be very studious, though the first few years could be tough and difficult but you will find it useful and easy later and you’ll enjoy it,” he said.
He also urged them to read and seek knowledge to enhance their performance on the job.
He reminded the Presidents of the customary courts that they are first among equals and urged them to be courteous and respectful of other panel members. He noted that some of them are professionals and top civil servants who have retired from service but are still willing to serve. You need a lot of understanding and patience to deal with people at the local level of the customary courts.
In her welcome address, Mrs. Bukola Salami, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Judicial Service Commission, said in their new role as Judicial Officers, they are expected to be independent, impartial and fair to all and abide by the ethical standards for judicial officers.
She added that because they are now classified as Judges, their conduct in and out of court would come under public scrutiny and they must be careful the kind of life and circles they will be found.
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