The Supervisory Bishop of Ibadan Anglican Diocese and Bishop of Ogbomoso, Rt. Revd. Titus Babatunde Olayinka, has urged judges, lawyers and other legal professionals to use their expertise and influence to promote justice, peace and the welfare of the vulnerable in society.
Olayinka gave the charge on Monday while delivering a sermon at the special service marking the opening of the 2026/2027 Legal Year of the Judiciary of Oyo State at the Cathedral of St. James the Great, Oke Bola, Ibadan.
In attendance at the service were the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabode Yerima; other high court judges; magistrates; presidents of “Grade A” Customary Court; members of the Judicial Service Commission; Senior Advocates of Nigeria; and members of the Nigerian Bar Association, among others.
The service also held simultaneously at the Oyo State Judiciary Mosque at the High Court premises, Ring Road, Ibadan.
Speaking on the theme, “Let Your Legal Profession Be a Blessing to the Society,” the bishop anchored his message on Matthew 5:16, urging legal professionals to let their “light so shine” through good works that would benefit society and glorify God.
ALSO READ: Oyo NUT honours Oriire attack survivors as heroes, celebrates teachers
He described the legal profession as a noble calling and a position of great trust, noting that judges, lawyers and other legal practitioners possessed knowledge, influence and access to institutions capable of profoundly affecting people’s lives.
Olayinka urged legal professionals to use their knowledge to promote justice rather than complicate matters for people seeking redress. He said their expertise should help protect people’s rights, resolve disputes peacefully and ensure that justice was served without discrimination.
The bishop also charged them to make integrity the foundation of their practice, warning against compromising professional and personal values for money or material gains. He said a lawyer might win cases, acquire wealth or attain high positions, but would lose something more valuable if integrity was sacrificed.
He further called on the judiciary and legal practitioners to defend the poor, helpless and vulnerable, expressing concern over prolonged litigation, pre-trial detention and delayed justice.
He challenged legal professionals to speak up for those who lacked the resources, knowledge or influence to defend themselves.
In her message remarks, the Chief Judge appreciated the Oyo State Government for its support, particularly in the area of infrastructure, which she said had transformed several court facilities across the state.
She noted that the courts at Iyaganku, Ring Road and other locations had received significant improvements.
On concerns about delays in the administration of justice, Justice Yerima said that it has improved, attributing the progress to increased judicial manpower, improved infrastructure and the Oyo State Multi-Door Court System.
The Chief Judge dismissed the perception that judges were responsible for delays in court proceedings, saying: “When you come to court and you are ready with your case, the judges are also ready.”
She added that the increased number of judges was helping to accelerate the dispensation of justice, while the Multi-Door Court System was assisting with mediation and reducing the time cases spend in courts.