The Anglican Bishop of Ijebu-Southwest diocese, Rt Rev’d Babatunde Ogunbanwo, has charged judicial officers to be bold, ready to confront the system and stand against corruption rather than being swayed by power, wealth and popularity.
Ogunbanwo, who spoke on Monday during a special church service ushering in the 2025/2026 legal year, held at the Cathedral of St.Peter, Ake, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, insisted that legal officers must stand up for what is right even when it’s unpopular.
The event brought together the state governor, Dapo Abiodun, the Chief Judge, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, retired and serving state judges, magistrates, members of the state executive council, members of the judiciary commission, and other judicial officers among others.
Delivering his sermon from the account of Micah 6:8, Rev Ogunbanwo, stated that God requires the judiciary to act justly, love mercy and work humbly with him, stressing that justice is a daily duty and not once in a year routine.
The cleric noted that presently, the public trust in the legal system is fragile, urging them to rebuild trust, hold justice with mercy, stating that a system without mercy becomes bitter.
He asserted that the legal authority is a sacred trust and prayed that they don’t misuse it as everyone is accountable to a higher judge, God.
“ Humanity guides against the abuse of power, as you enter a new legal year always remember that justice and righteousness is our responsibility. There is so much bitterness in the land and justice must stand.
“ Be bold and ready to confront the system, stand against corruption.Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin (corruption) brings shame to everyone. The account of Micah gave three clear compass for the legal year-act justice, love mercy and work humbly with the Lord. Justice without mercy can be cruel, hold justice and be merciful but don’t be too timid” he added.
In his remark, Governor Dapo Abiodun, welcomed all judicial officers to the new legal year, urging them to renew their dedication to a system where the skills of justice remain balanced and where the most vulnerable find a voice.
He maintained that justice cannot thrive without integrity, impartiality, courage and appreciated the Chief Judge, for her remarkable leadership so far.
Governor Abiodun assured that his administration will continue to provide the necessary support and resources to enhance judicial efficiency, and to uphold the sanctity of the legal system in the state.
His words, “Justice cannot thrive without integrity, impartiality, and, of course, courage. As we open this legal year, let us renew our dedication to a system where the skills of justice remain balanced, where the most vulnerable find a voice, and where every man and woman and child feels protected by the law.
“Let me restate that ours is a responsive and responsible administration. We appreciate the place of the judiciary in entrenching the ideals and practices of democracy as we continue to build our future together agenda. Therefore, our administration will continue to provide the necessary support and resources to enhance judicial efficiency, to uphold the sanctity of the legal system in our dear state.
Meanwhile, the Chief Judge, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, harped on the need for all judicial officers to be computer literate, saying it will enhance service delivery and make the job of judges easier.
“I expect that all of us will be computer literate. When the registrars are computer literate the job of the judge would be easy.
“All our judges are computer literate, 99 percent of the magistrates are computer literate. When we start E-filing and E-Affidavit we can assign cases online, and whether it’s a weekend, evening or midnight, once you look at your phone or your computer, you’ll know that cases have been assigned to you” she added.
Don’t be swayed by power, wealth, popularity – Clergy charges Judicial officers
