The Chief Judge of Ogun State, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, has emphasised the need for lawyers and judges to prioritise integrity, strong character, and a sound conscience for the smooth administration of justice in the country.
Justice Dipeolu, who was represented by a judge of the Ogun State High Court, Justice Tajudeen Okusokan, stated this on Tuesday while speaking at the 3rd Annual Law Dinner of the College of Law, Chrisland University, Abeokuta.
The CJ said that beyond university training, students must cultivate strong character and reputation to build a meaningful career in the legal profession.
She explained, “The training you begin here at Chrisland University is designed for one purpose: to make you fit for the temple of justice.
You will learn statutes, cases and doctrines, but beyond that, you must learn character.
“A lawyer without character is a danger to society. A judge without conscience is a danger to justice. Fellow students, I urge you to carry on today with three things: learn the law, but revere justice. The law is written in books; justice is written in the lives of the people. Your job is to pursue both. Do not become so skilled in technicalities that you lose sight of fairness.”
Dipeolu added, “One other thing you must also realise early is that the reputation you build in year one follows you to the Supreme Court of Nigeria. Integrity is not taught in the final year; it is practised in every assignment, every examination and every interaction. If you can be trusted with small things here, the nation can trust you with big things later.”
The Chief Judge urged the student lawyers to brace up for the demands of the profession, noting that it requires discipline, hard work, courage, and a commitment to public service.
She commended the university for its commitment to academic excellence, adding that the judiciary cannot thrive without law faculties that produce disciplined, ethical and competent lawyers.
The Registrar of the Ogun State Judiciary, Mr Olakulehin Oke, urged the students to embrace academic excellence to build successful careers in the legal profession.
Oke said students must remain disciplined and resilient, embrace hard work, and prioritise continuous learning, which remains the foundation of the profession.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof Oyedunni Arulogun, said the institution would continue to pursue academic excellence to produce graduates who would contribute positively to society.
She congratulated the law students on their admission into the university and assured them of the institution’s commitment to supporting them to achieve their full potential.
The Dean of the College of Law, Dr Kayode Akinsola, said the annual Law Dinner provides an opportunity for eminent legal practitioners and distinguished professionals to interact with and mentor students.
He added, “With the distinguished personalities that have come around to interface with the students, we know that the students have been further strengthened and inspired to aim for excellence.
“What we are doing is to give our students the platform to stand shoulder to shoulder with any law student or lawyer in the future.”