Jacob BABALOLA (Staff Writer)

The National Association of Catholic Lawyers, Archdiocese of Ibadan Chapter has commenced another Legal Year with 2025 Legal Year Thanksgiving Mass/Public Lecture with the theme: “Is there hope for Justice in the present-day Nigeria?” with a clarion call by Hon. Justice P.O. Ige (Rtd) on the NACL to sensitize the country’s Legislature on the need to set time-line for dispensation of civil cases the same way there is time-line for electoral cases in the country.

The thanksgiving Mass, which had the Chief Shepherd of the Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin as the Chief Celebrant, took place at the Church of the Ascension, Bodija-Ibadan on Saturday, 4th October, 2025.

Joining His Grace at the Mass were the Bishop Simon Faddoul of the Maronite Eparchy; Representatives of Bishop Emmanuel Badejo of Oyo Diocese, Rev. Frs John Irekiigbe (Social Communication Director) and Raphael Akinyemi; NACL Chaplain in Ibadan Archdiocese, Rev. Fr. Joachim Akee; Parish Priest of the Host Parish and his Assistant, Rev. Frs. Julius Awotoye and Peace Jemibor respectively; the Editor of the Catholic Weekly Independent, Rev. Fr. Peter Ibimiluyi and the Parish Priest of St. Peter, Apata, Rev. Fr. Francis Adedigba.

Also in attendance were Hon. Justice P.O. Ige (Rtd); National President of NACL, Mr O. Edward; Guest Speaker, Prof. Titilayo Aderibigbe; Dr. Tolu Aderemi and members of NACL from within and outside Ibadan Archdiocese.

The Archbishop in his short homily stated that where there is love, there is God; adding that NACL is an extension and custodian of that love. His Grace thanked the body for its assistance to the Archdiocese and also commended the Association for a new book to be unveiled, titled: ‘Legal Guide for Catholic Faithful”, which he said he would be ready to recommend to both Catholics and non-Catholics. “Thanks for what you are doing in the Archdiocese, representing me and winning many cases and for the legal teams you have in parishes. That is very good. Hope does not disappoint, working together for a just State. You’re not working for nothing, but for God and His people.” The Archbishop said.

Other highlights of the thanksgiving Mass were the blessing and distribution of Sacramental to the lawyers, thanksgiving and a vote of thanks by the NACL Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Joachim Akee.

During the second part of the celebration, held inside the parish hall, the Guest Speaker, Prof. Titilayo Aderibigbe delivered a lecture on the theme: “Is there hope for justice in the present-day Nigeria?” this was done after the welcome speech by the NACL President, Mr Michael Agbolade Esq. but which was read by the Vice President, Mrs Adeola Ige Adeleke.

Prof. Aderibigbe stated that better tomorrow starts with the lawyers and urged that they should be held as bridges of hope as justice seems elusive in Nigeria, leading to ‘Japa syndrome’. The Speaker added that justice is the bedrock of any society and thus admonished members of NACL never to surrender to despair but to be bold officers of the law and faith through transformation of minds and by leaving the gathering with renewed hope for justice to prevail in the country.

After the lecture by Prof. Aderibigbe, there was also a 3-member panel discussion made up of the Pastoral Secretary, Very Rev. Fr. Richard Omolade, Mrs Adenike Ibitara and Dr Tolu Aderemi. The Panelists in their discussion opined that justice seems to be in the hands of the rich as a research indicated that only five percent of the citizens turn to lawyers for justice while majority now prefer Alternative Dispute resolution (ADR) such as arbitration and mediation. They further noted that the three arms of government seem to be connected now for fear of the executive. They, however, enjoined the lawyers to examine themselves by answering in their minds ‘what would Jesus do’ (WWJD) before taking any action in their practice of law.

In the course of question and answer session, it was noted that many in Nigeria do not know their rights like in the developed countries, hence, the need for men and women of impeccable integrity to sit on the bench. The Archbishop in his contribution stated that justice in Nigeria is not impossible but very difficult, even as he reiterated the Catholic Church’s stand against capital punishment and life imprisonment.

In his contribution, Hon. Justice P.O. Ige (Rtd) described justice as a sense of what is right and wrong. He educated that the blindfolded image in the judiciary’s logo is to the effect that a judge handling a case is supposed not to claim to know the parties involved, hence, Judges must do their own research after listening to the parties involved in a case.

The retired Justice ruled out an end to people involved in a case approaching Judges for favour but that it is left for the Judges to act according to their consciences. He berated lack of enough Judges in the country and appealed to the government to spend more on infrastructural and man-power development, even as he urged lawyers to be ready to throw-in towel when necessary as it is not all cases they must win.

On the affordability of legal services, the Retired Justice Ige appealed to lawyers that it is not every case that they will be paid handsomely, hence, they should be ready to take up some good cases even when the clients cannot pay much and thus be their brothers’ keepers.

For the delay in adjudication of cases, the Retired Justice, who is also the NACL Patron in the Archdiocese appealed to lawyers to advocate for time-line for civil cases, the same way there is time-line for electoral cases.

At the celebration, St. Thomas More Awards were conferred on three distinguished recipients, namely: Dr. (Lady) Patricia Ubiaza-Eze in recognition of her dedicated service and contributions to Justice; Late Very Rev. Fr. Ezekiel Ade Owoeye – (Posthumous award) in recognition of his exemplary contribution to Justice and Humanity (The award was received on his behalf by Mrs Adenike Ibitara) and Israel Bamidele Batimehin, Esq. for his outstanding commitment to the cause of Justice and the common good.

Other events were the unveiling and launching of a book titled: ‘Legal Guide for Catholic Faithful, produced by NACL, Ibadan Chapter; delivering of Goodwill messages; refreshment; vote of thanks, closing prayer and blessing as well as dancing time.