The Muslim Lawyers Association of Nigeria (MULAN), Lagos State Branch, inaugurated its New Legal Year 2024 with a grand reception and lecture, bringing together prominent members of the judiciary, legal practitioners, and Islamic scholars.
The event, which took place under the chairmanship of Dr. ‘Kemi Pinheiro, OFR, SAN, FCIArb, focused on the theme, “The Judge, Judgment, and Justice: Implications for Terrestrial and Celestial Success.”
In his opening remarks, Dr. Pinheiro emphasised the crucial role of the judiciary in ensuring justice, fairness, and equity, not only in the eyes of the law but also in accordance with Islamic jurisprudence. He underscored the profound responsibility judges and lawyers bear in shaping society, stating,
“Every ruling, every verdict is not just a legal statement, but a moral and ethical one.” He encouraged legal professionals to uphold justice with sincerity and dedication, quoting Surah An-Nisa (4:58), which calls on believers to judge with justice and to fulfil their trusts.
The chairman also highlighted the elevation of several esteemed justices, including Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun and Justice Habeeb Adewale Olumuyiwa Abiru, celebrating their commitment to upholding justice in Nigeria’s legal system.
Delivering a welcome address, MULAN Lagos State Chairman, A.I. Adebayo, expressed gratitude for the gathering and outlined the association’s initiatives aimed at supporting both its members and the wider Muslim Ummah.
He emphasised MULAN’s commitment to pro bono services, legal advisory for the indigent, and the development of young Muslim lawyers. The association also announced the forthcoming launch of the MULAN Welfare Fund (MUWEF), a special fund designed to support welfare projects through halal investments.
The guest lecture, delivered by Professor Abdul Razaq Abdul Majeed Alaro from the Faculty of Law, University of Ilorin, explored the interconnectedness between terrestrial and celestial success for judges and legal professionals. The lecture delved into the ethical implications of judgement and justice in both this life and the hereafter.
He said: “Let me start by commending the organisers of this event, Muslim Lawyers’ Association of Nigeria (MULAN), Lagos State Branch, for choosing this topic. This is coming at the most appropriate time in the history of our profession. It is appropriate because a new Chief Justice of Nigeria has just assumed the mantle of leadership of the country’s judiciary. I seize this opportunity to congratulate Her Lordship, Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-ekun, CJN.
“In the same vein, I congratulate all the honourees of today’s event; recently elevated Muslim judges to the Court of Appeal and the High Court, as well as Muslim lawyers recently announced as SANs.
“The topic is equally timing, given the fact that the Nigerian judiciary has recently been tagged as the most corrupt institution in Nigeria, and that judges are the biggest bribe takers in Nigeria. Whether that is correct or not, the accusation itself is bad for the reputation of a hallowed institution, saddled with the responsibility of rendering and upholding justice.”
MULAN’s New Legal Year event also served as a platform to showcase the association’s Knowledge Sharing and Professional Development Sessions (KS&PDS), which have seen participation from distinguished legal experts across various areas of law. The association reaffirmed its commitment to continued growth and service, urging senior members of the legal profession to contribute to the development of young Muslim lawyers.
With strong calls for justice, integrity, and professional excellence, the 2024 New Legal Year event concluded on a note of unity, with MULAN reiterating its dedication to promoting the cause of Islam and the legal profession in Nigeria.
