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Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat, has cautioned against what he described as a “season of ignorance” driven by social media commentary, where unverified opinions increasingly shape public discourse on sensitive legal issues.
The deputy governor spoke on Monday during a church service at the Christ Church Cathedral, Marina, to mark the commencement of the 2025/2026 Legal Year.
According to him, “Somebody with a Twitter (X) feed and 200,000 followers now pontificates as an economist or a legal mind. That is dangerous,” Hamzat said, warning that uninformed criticisms undermine respect for the judiciary. He urged judges to remain steadfast despite public pressure.
Also speaking earlier, the state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by his wife, Ibijoke urged the judiciary to take deliberate steps toward restoring and strengthening public trust in the justice system, describing confidence in the courts as fundamental to democracy and social order.
Sanwo-Olu charged judges to embrace the new legal year “with renewed strength, wisdom, and humility to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God,” stressing that justice must not only be served but also seen to be served to maintain public trust.
He commended the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba, for steering the judiciary “safely and successfully” through the previous legal year, while lauding judges and lawyers for their resilience and sacrifices in upholding fairness and integrity.
Highlighting his administration’s reforms in the justice sector, Sanwo-Olu pointed to the establishment of a new commercial court in Tapa, Lagos Island, to aid business dispute resolution, the completion of residential apartments for magistrates and legal officers in Ketu, and the inauguration of a Deputy Sheriff Warehouse in Majidu to safeguard properties tied to ongoing court cases.
“Behind every case file and number, there are real lives, families, and communities whose trust in justice we must never let down,” the governor said.
Justice Alogba, in his message, assured Lagos residents of the judiciary’s commitment to impartial justice, resisting undue influence, and safeguarding the rule of law.
Also speaking, the Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos West (Anglican Communion), Rt. Rev. Dr. James Odedeji, urged Nigerians, particularly leaders, to embrace righteousness and integrity, describing justice as the bedrock of national stability and prosperity.
“No nation can stand without justice,” the bishop declared. “When leaders and citizens act with integrity, the oppressed are protected and societal trust grows.”
The post Social media commentaries dangerous to legal issues —Lagos dep gov, Hamzat appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from Ripples Nigeria.
