Ogun CJ Justice Dipeolu: Strong Character Crucial for Legal Practice

Ogun State's Chief Judge, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, has underscored the vital importance of integrity, robust character, and a clear conscience among legal practitioners and jurists to ensure the seamless delivery of justice nationwide. Justice Dipeolu conveyed this message through her representative, Justice Tajudeen Okusokan, a judge of the Ogun State High Court, during his address at the 3rd Annual Law Dinner hosted by the College of Law, Chrisland University, Abeokuta, on Tuesday.

The Chief Judge highlighted that aspiring legal professionals, even with their university education, must actively cultivate strong character and a reputable image to forge a successful path within the legal field. She elaborated, stating, “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.”

Justice Dipeolu further remarked, “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 implored the law students to prepare diligently for the rigorous demands of their chosen profession, emphasizing that it necessitates discipline, relentless effort, bravery, and an unwavering dedication to serving the public. She extended commendation to Chrisland University for its steadfast dedication to academic excellence, asserting that the judicial system's success hinges on law faculties that consistently graduate disciplined, ethical, and highly competent legal professionals.

Mr. Olakulehin Oke, the Registrar of the Ogun State Judiciary, also advised the students to pursue academic distinction as a cornerstone for establishing prosperous careers in the legal field. Oke underscored the necessity for students to maintain discipline, cultivate resilience, commit to diligent work, and prioritize ongoing education, which he identified as the fundamental bedrock of the profession.

Previously, the university's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Oyedunni Arulogun, affirmed the institution's ongoing commitment to fostering academic excellence, aiming to produce graduates who will make significant positive contributions to society. She congratulated the newly admitted law students and reassured them of the university’s unwavering support in helping them realize their complete potential.

Dr. Kayode Akinsola, the Dean of the College of Law, explained that the yearly Law Dinner serves as an invaluable platform where prominent legal practitioners and esteemed professionals can engage with and mentor students. He further stated, “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.”