By Ayomide Otitoju
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called on legal practitioners and civil society organisations within the West African sub-region to commit to building an inclusive legal framework that guarantees equal access to justice for all, irrespective of background or status.
The Governor made the call while delivering the keynote address at the opening session of a two-day sensitisation mission organised by the ECOWAS Court of Justice. The event, held at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, brought together ECOWAS judges, legal professionals, and civil rights advocates from across the region.
Sanwo-Olu urged the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to serve as a model for justice delivery, exemplifying leadership that prioritises human rights and democratic principles. He stressed the need for justice institutions to work in harmony and remain firmly committed to the rule of law.
“When officers at the temple of justice unite under the rule of law, ECOWAS will be better positioned to foster a peaceful, inclusive and prosperous community where rights are protected and opportunities abound,” he said.
Highlighting the role of Lagos as a regional hub for commerce and cultural exchange, Sanwo-Olu said the state’s hosting of the event was a testament to its strategic importance and the collective resolve to deepen regional integration and judicial cooperation.
“This gathering underscores our shared resolve to bring justice closer to the people. It also reflects the spirit of collaboration needed to address challenges around security, economic growth, and human rights through innovation and a commitment to equity,” he said.
President of the ECOWAS Court, Hon. Justice Ricardo Gonçalves, emphasised the urgency of making justice more accessible, stating that it must no longer be seen as the preserve of elites.
“Justice should not be a distant dream but a birthright accessible from the busiest cities to the remotest villages. When justice is hidden or delayed, it is denied,” Gonçalves said, calling for grassroots access to legal redress.
Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, described the sensitisation mission as a platform to reaffirm the judiciary’s dedication to rule of law and regional legal integration. She highlighted the ECOWAS Court’s vital role in promoting accountability, addressing transnational challenges, and strengthening legal cooperation among member states.
“The collaboration between national and regional courts is key to addressing cross-border crimes, regional disputes, and human rights issues effectively,” she said, adding that harmonised legal systems would foster stability, economic development, and public trust across the region.
