BISHOP WARNS LEGAL PRACTITIONERS AGAINST ALLOWING WEALTH TO INFLUENCE JUSTICE

The Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos West, Anglican Communion, Right Rev. James Odedeji, has urged judges and lawyers to uphold fairness and integrity in the administration of justice, warning against allowing wealth, influence, social status or personal interests to affect legal decisions. He said access to justice should not depend on a person’s financial strength or connections, stressing that both the rich and poor must be treated fairly under the law.

Odedeji gave the warning on Monday while delivering a sermon titled “Faithfulness” at the 2026/2027 New Legal Year Special Service of the Lagos State Judiciary held at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos. Drawing from Leviticus 19:15, he urged members of the legal profession not to oppress the poor or favour wealthy individuals, saying judicial officers and lawyers must regard their responsibilities as a sacred trust.

The bishop said judges and lawyers should remember that their decisions can affect people’s liberty, property, reputation and, in some cases, their lives. He described judicial offices, legal briefs and clients’ confidence as responsibilities entrusted to professionals rather than possessions belonging to them. According to him, the greater the position of authority, the greater the responsibility attached to it.

He also warned that professional success without character and conscience could amount to failure, noting that a lawyer could win a case while compromising personal integrity. Odedeji urged lawyers to combine professional competence with strong character and cautioned that legal knowledge without conscience could be used to oppress others. He further advised judicial officers against using their authority to intimidate or humiliate people, stressing that those in positions of power remain accountable for their actions.

The bishop urged members of the judiciary and the Bar to measure their success by faithfulness in carrying out their responsibilities rather than by titles, positions or professional achievements. He reminded them that public offices are temporary and that decisions made during their tenure can have lasting consequences. Odedeji called on judges and lawyers to remain committed to justice, mercy and humility throughout the new legal year, while maintaining integrity even when their actions are not subject to public scrutiny.