Ogun CJ calls for strong character in legal profession

Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, the Chief Judge of Ogun State, has underscored the critical importance of integrity, strong character, and a sound conscience for judges and lawyers to ensure the effective administration of justice in Nigeria. Speaking at the 3rd Annual Law Dinner of Chrisland University's College of Law, she highlighted that these qualities are paramount for a successful career in the legal profession.

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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.

Represented by Justice Tajudeen Okusokan of the Ogun State High Court, Justice Dipeolu stated that while university training provides knowledge of statutes, cases, and doctrines, it must be complemented by the cultivation of strong character. "A lawyer without character is a danger to society. A judge without conscience is a danger to justice," she warned students.

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A lawyer without character is a danger to society. A judge without conscience is a danger to justice.

She urged students to "learn the law, but revere justice," explaining that law is found in books, while justice is reflected in people's lives. Dipeolu cautioned against becoming so engrossed in legal technicalities that fairness is overlooked. She emphasized that the reputation built from the first year of study follows a legal professional throughout their career, even to the Supreme Court.

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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.

Integrity, she stressed, is not a final-year lesson but a practice demonstrated in every assignment, examination, and interaction. The Chief Judge also called on aspiring lawyers to prepare for the profession's demands, which include discipline, hard work, courage, and a commitment to public service. The university was commended for its role in producing disciplined, ethical, and competent lawyers essential for the judiciary's thriving.

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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.