Governor Babatunde Fashola today commissioned the combined High/ Magistrate Courts in Ikorodu, which he renamed in honour of the third indigenous Chief Judge of Lagos, Ademola Candide- Johnson.
The Governor who spoke at the Court complex in Ikorodu Town said for anyone who understands that democracy without the platform of rule of law, law and order means nothing, the significance of the new courts would be understood.
Governor Fashola who acknowledged that the visit which was his second to Ikorodu in one month to hand over another completed project which represents another promise fulfilled, stressed that the possibility of a denial of access to justice is further made more unlikely today by the opening of the Courts Complex.
Governor Fashola explained that the location of such facilities like the Courts Complex has a key role to play in maintaining law and order in the society. “Without access to justice through the courts, the breakdown of law and order becomes a real possibility. When access to justice therefore is distant, difficult or expensive, it seems that the temptation for self-help becomes real and the disruption of public order and the breach of law constitute a danger to all and sundry,” he noted.
According to the Governor, the enumerated hurdles do not exist in Lagos because justice in a most efficient and conducive manner is now a grassroots matter in Ikorodu as the need to travel to Ikeja has now been greatly reduced in addition to the cost and inconvenience.
In renaming the Court complex after Late Hon. Justice Ademola Candide- Johnon, Governor Fashola said it has become the tradition of the present administration to honour those who have served conscientiously and whose labour of yesterday has made endeavours of today possible.
Speaking earlier, the Chief Judge, Hon Justice Ayotunde Philips said the successful completion of the structure underscores the determination of the present administration in Lagos State to reposition the Judiciary towards ensuring speedy administration of justice.
She commended the State Governor for the level of cooperation he has extended to the Judiciary especially in providing a conducive atmosphere for judges to perform their duties and expressed optimism that all of such projects that are still undergoing construction should be completed before the end of the 2013 legal year.
The event was attended by members of the State Executive Council including the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, the Special Adviser on Works and Infrastructure, Engineer Ganiyu Johnson, the Chairman of the State House of Assembly Committee on the Judiciary, Hon.S.O.Agunbiade, Judges and Magistrates in the State Judiciary as well as members of the Ikorodu community.
Also present was the widow of the third indigenous Chief Judge of Lagos, Hon. Justice Ademola Candide- Johnson, Mrs Muriel Candide-Johnson.