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Tag: Adegbite

  • Pedro: civil, commercial cases shouldn’t exceed two years

    Pedro: civil, commercial cases shouldn’t exceed two years

    Civil and commercial cases should not last beyond two years in court, Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Lawal Pedro (SAN), has said.

    He does not see why the same urgency accorded election petitions should not apply to other cases that are critical to economic growth.

    Pedro plans to convene a stakeholder summit to work out how to shorten the time for determining civil and commercial cases.

    “We hope to have cases decided within 24 months. Landlord and tenant matters should be decided within six months,” said the newly-sworn-in Attorney-General.

    Pedro spoke at a reception organised in his honour by his friends and associates.

    In attendance were many Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), his predecessors Olasupo Shasore (SAN), Ade Ipaye and Adeniyi Kazeem, among other dignitaries.

    The SAN said a situation where litigants have no idea when cases will be determined will only discourage rather than attract investments.

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    “Election petitions are determined quickly, but how about people who have committed a lot of money to investments? 

    “How will the employment situation be improved if industries are not thriving?

    “The only way businesses will thrive is when we have a very efficient justice system that guarantees when a litigant will exit the court system.

    “I cannot do it alone. I already have the commitment of the Bar association, and working with the Judiciary, we should be able to revisit our rules to fashion a way to ensure that cases no longer last more than two years at the maximum in our courts,” Pedro said.

    The A-G said his immediate task is to ensure effective law enforcement in Lagos. 

    “Our laws must be enforced and judgments of the courts must be obeyed,” he said.

    Among his agenda is the decongestion of prisons through non-custodial sentencing so that people who commit trivial offences are not sent to jail on conviction.

    Pedro got some advice from his predecessors.

    Ipaye said an Attorney-General could get sucked into the many cases the state is involved in and take his eyes off staff welfare and capacity building.

    “The training of counsel must be taken seriously. I ensured that everyone had a computer, a decent table, and the library was functional,” the former Chief of Staff to the Vice President said.

    Ipaye, who called for speedy issuance of the director of public prosecution’s (DPP’s) advice, recalled that he set up a task force to monitor cases “because someone’s life depends on your decisions”.

    He attributed his success as A-G to Pedro’s support, describing the role as an opportunity to make an impact on the people.

    “The next most important person to the governor is the A-G. Everyone at the end of the day turns to him,” Ipaye said.

    Kazeem described Pedro as the “ultimate insider”, but stressed that despite being familiar with the ministry, the role of an Attorney-General differs from that of the Solicitor-General, as there are different interests and expectations to be met.

    He urged Pedro to choose the right team to help him succeed, adding that he must always interface with the Judiciary while fighting for the welfare of his workers and constituency and ensuring they get what is due them.

    Kazeem added: “Concentrate on your legacy. Set the tone for new things you will be remembered for. And project your achievements.”

    A former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) General Secretary, Deacon Dele Adesina (SAN), urged Pedro to work with his colleagues in other states to push for a constitutional amendment to limit the number of cases that go on appeal.

    Incumbent NBA General Secretary, Adesina Adegbite, who was one of the organisers of the reception, expressed confidence in Pedro’s capacity to excel in the new role.

    He said: “The legacies of Mr Pedro as Director of Civil Litigation and as Permanent Secretary/Solicitor General underscore the fact that now that he has a greater opportunity to serve, he will do even better.

    “He cannot do it alone. We all need to support him so that he will leave the office better than he met it. He mentioned his plan to revamp the administration of the civil justice system in Lagos State.

    “What we have now is a situation where you file a case today and you’re in court for 10 or 15 years. That is unacceptable. This is partly due to the high number of cases being filed in Lagos and the limited number of judges.

    “We have a peculiar situation, so there should be a peculiar approach to make the justice delivery system faster, simpler and cheaper and this is why we must all support Mr Pedro’s reform agenda.

    “It is only when we have an efficient justice system that we can have an economy that is prosperous and attractive to foreign investors.”

  • Aregbe, Amosun hails MSSN on Adegbite

    Osun State Governor Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and his Ogun state counterpart Ibikunle Amosun have commended the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Lagos State Area Unit for honouring the former Secretary-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, the late Dr AbdulLateef Adegbite with a Quran Competition.

    The duo, alongside businessman, Managing Director of Yinka Folawiyo Group, Mr. Tunde Folawiyo, spoke at the grand finale of the 15th edition of the Lagos Qur’an Competition organised in honour of the late Adegbite at the University of Lagos Main Auditorium, Akoka.

    They commented the youth who participated in the competition for developing the zeal to memorise the Qur’an.

    In the keenly contested competition, 18 reciters emerge as winners in the various categories of the competition after being tested on memorisation, pronunciation, voice sonority, composition and dressing.

    Amosun, who was represented by a Consultant to Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) Alhaji Musibau Oyefeso, said he was encouraged to see young Muslims learn the Qur’an, saying that would help to instill morality in the society.

    “I am proud to be associated with this. It is a great thing to see our youths learn the words of Allah and commit it to their hearts. I congratulate all the participants,” Amosun said.

    Aregbesola, represented by the Chairman of Ijede Local Council Development Area, Salis Fatiu Jimoh, said memorising the Qur’an was part of the key to success, adding that “this is a worthy cause. It will go a long way to reduce crime in the society.”

    The late Adegbite’s son, Bashorun Ladi Adegbite, who spoke on behalf of the Adegbite family, praised the organiser, MSSN Lagos, for hosting the programme in the name of his father, saying members of the family were proud to be associated with such a programme.

    He explained that the theme of the competition – “Hope for the Hopeless” – matched the personality of his late father.

    The late Adegbite, he said, was a legend of his time that did his best to promote positive things in all facets of his life as a youth leader, as a teacher, a lawyer, a traditional leader and for the most part as a Muslim.

    MSSN Lagos State President Dr Saheed Ashafa, lamented that social media was affecting the spiritual lives of the youths.

    “It is crystal clear to everyone that Muslim youths are far away from the Book of Allah and this is not farfetched from the influence of modern technologies and social media, Muslims generally have now made phones and other gadgets companions at the expense of the Glorious Qur’an,” he said.

     

  • ‘Ogun paid N4bn compensation in 6 years’

    ‘Ogun paid N4bn compensation in 6 years’

    The Ogun Government on Monday said that it paid over N4 billion compensation the last six years to property owners whose structures were demolished for ongoing road construction.

    Mr Olamilekan Adegbite, the state Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, disclosed this on Monday during an oversight visit by the State Assembly Committee on Works and Infrastructure to the ministry in Abeokuta.

    Adegbite said that the ministry needed additional N4 billion to complete the payment, saying that efforts were in top gear to pay other property owners yet to be compensated.

    He said that the ministry spent over N11 billion on road construction in all parts of the state between January and August.

    The commissioner said that over N2.9 billion was spent on road rehabilitation with a view to opening up the state for industrialisation and improving the socioeconomic activities in the state.

    According to him, N157.7million was generated as revenue during the period under review and government would soon commence the construction of the rural roads.

    “The state government had advertised recently to increase the standard of living of rural dwellers, thereby reducing rural-urban drift,’’ he said.

    The commissioner said that work had commenced on Agbara-Atan-Lusada road, adding that plans were underway to reconstruct Owode-Ilaro road to boost socio-economic activities in the area.

    Adegbite, who underscored the essence of flyovers in some parts of the state, explained that such structures became necessary to ease traffic congestion and carnage on roads as well as enhance smooth traffic flow.

    Responding, the Committee Chairman, Mr Olayiwola Ojodu, commended the quality of work done by contractors under the supervision of the ministry.

    Ojodu advised the ministry and contractors handling various projects to speed up the pace of work on all construction sites in the state.

    The committee also assessed the budget performance of the State Road Maintenance Agency (OGROMA) and Bureau of Electrical Engineering Services and advised them on improved service delivery.

  • Adegbite eyes better career in Pillars

    Adegbite eyes better career in Pillars

    Former Sunshine Stars striker Razak Adegbite says he’s looking towards a better career in his new club Kano Pillars as he sets for debut against Wikki Tourist of Makurdi.

    The striker who had little spell with South Africa based club Jomo Cosmos FC before returning back to Nigeria last year to reunite with his old club Enugu Rangers, has played for Enyimba FC, Enugu Rangers, Sunshine Stars and now with Kano Pillars to build up his career to the limelight.

    “I’m happy to be here, this is a club with historical value, and coming to play here is a bigger opportunity for me and I hope to make huge impact,” said Adegbite.

    “Kano Pillars have bigger platform for players, they have good and dedicated stars who can always deliver. They are one of the motivating club in Nigeria and I am glad to be with them.

    “Yes, I’m ready to make my debut against Wikki Tourist and I will be at my best to cheer the Kano fans.”

  • Adegbite overwhelmed to join Sunshine

    Adegbite overwhelmed to join Sunshine

    Sunshine Stars new signing, Razaq Adegbite is delighted to have made a move to the city of Akure.

    The sharp shooter has inked a two-year-contract with the Nigeria Professional Football League(NPFL) side and his arrival is expected to herald a new era for the Owena Waves.

    Sunshine Stars beat Warri Wolves to win the signature of the former Enyimba FC striker from Enugu Rangers.

    “I knew that one day I will play for Sunshine Stars and thankfully that dream has materialised. There’s a time for everything and I think this is the time God has destined for me to join Sunshine Stars and I am happy it has happened,” Adegbite said.

    Sunshine Stars have also signed Isiaka Oladuntoye, Segun Alebiosu, Benard Ovoke, Azeez Aremu and Abiodun Akande.

  • Adegbite delighted with Sunshine deal

    Adegbite delighted with Sunshine deal

    Sunshine Stars new signing, Razaq Adegbite is delighted to have made a move to the city of Akure.

    The sharp shooter has inked a two-year-contract with the Nigeria Professional Football League side and his arrival is expected to herald a new era for the Owena Waves.

    Sunshine Stars beat Warri Wolves to win the signature of the former Enyimba FC striker from Enugu Rangers.

    “I knew that one day I will play for Sunshine Stars and thankfully that dream has materialised,” Adegbite said.

    “There’s a time for everything and I think this is the time God has destined for me to join Sunshine Stars and I am happy it has happened.”

    Sunshine Stars have also signed Isiaka Oladuntoye, Segun Alebiosu, Benard Ovoke, Azeez Aremu and Abiodun Akande.

  • NSCIA to pick Adegbite’s successor today

    Leaders of Nigeria’s Muslim Ummah are expected to pick the successor of the former Secretary-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), the late Dr Lateef Adegbite.

    Two candidates from the Southwest – Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, a former University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) Vice-Chancellor and currently the Executive Secretary of the National Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) as well as Prof Tajudeen Gbadamosi, the Chairman, Joint Technical Committee of the Lagos State Muslim Council, have emerged.

    A meeting will hold today at the headquarters of the Jamatul Nasril Islam in Kaduna to pick the successor.

    The position became vacant following the demise of the Dr Adegbite on September 28, last year.

    The issue of who succeeds the late Adegbite has pitched Muslims in the Southwest, where the seat is zone to, against one another.

    While leaders of the NSCIA in the zone settled for Prof Gbadamosi, a professor of History, the Muslim Ummah in South West Nigeria (MUSWEN) preferred Prof Oloyede, who was Dr Adegbite’s assistant, to step into the late lawyer’s shoes.

  • Sympathisers visit ex-Wema Bank MD Adegbite’s home

    Sympathisers visit ex-Wema Bank MD Adegbite’s home

    The former Managing Director of Wema Bank, Chief Samuel Adegbite, is dead.

    He died on Sunday at a Lagos hospital. He was 73.

    Former Minister of Agriculture Otunba Bamidele Dada described Adegbite’s death as a great loss to the country.

    Dada prayed to God to grant the family the strength to bear the loss.

    Sympathisers have been flooding the late Adegbite’s Oasis of Grace Villa home at Igbo Oloyin in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

    One of the deceased’s domestic workers, who did not want to be named, said: “Chief died in a Lagos hospital. His family is not here in Ibadan. He lived more in Lagos than Ibadan. We cannot receive anybody until we get instruction from the family.”

    One of the late Adegbite’s aides, who pleaded for anonymity, said the deceased was ill for some time before his death.

    Until his death, Adegbite was the Chairman of Intercontinental Homes Savings and Loans Limited; Oasis Group Limited and Oasis Insurance Plc.

    He was born in Ibadan on January 3, 1940. He attended Mapo Day School, Ibadan and the Local Government Teachers’ College, Ibadan, before enrolling at the West London College in 1963.

    The late Adegbite proceeded to the Holborn College of Law, London, between 1967 and 1969 and graduated with L.L.B. (Hons) from the University of London.

    He graduated from the Nigeria Law School, Lagos, in 1971 and was called to the bar the same year.

     

  • Lateef Adegbite (1933-2012)

    Lateef Adegbite (1933-2012)

    •In his exit, Nigeria has lost a bridge builder

    Act well your part, there all honour lies.’ This quote by that great philosopher and poet, Alexander Pope aptly depicts the life and times of Dr. Abdul-Lateef Oladimeji Adegbite who passed away on September 28. That Adegbite gained significant mileage as a devout Muslim who spent the better part of his life championing the cause of Islam is well established. Nevertheless, we do not think also that anyone would doubt his sharp intellect and admirable academic attainment that saw him earn a Ph. D in Law in the 1960s, when being a school certificate holder was a sure guarantee of a secured future.

    Whether as an Islamic scholar or academician, Adegbite’s footprints cannot be erased. More importantly, he would be remembered as one Secretary-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) that positively uplifted the public perception of Islam in conduct and through guarded utterances. He was an exemplar of what a good Muslim should be, without being violent or getting involved in acts that could generate hatred for himself and his most cherished Islamic religion.

    In 1959, the Western Region Premier, Chief Obafemi Awolowo awarded him a scholarship that afforded him an opportunity to study Law at the University of Southampton, England, graduating with a B.A. in July 1962. He proceeded to the College of Law for Solicitors, Lancaster Gate in London, and then to Gray’s Inn from 1963 to 1965. Later he won a Commonwealth Scholarship for his post-graduate studies in England.

    He was active in the service of the nation throughout his lifetime. He was, till death, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Public Awareness on Security and Civic Responsibilities. Before this, he held several important positions. In-between his career as a Law teacher, Adegbite in 1971 was appointed as Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters in the old Western State by its governor, Brigadier Christopher Oluwole Rotimi. He was later appointed Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General in the same state in 1973. He was President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee from 1972 to 1985.

    Dr Adegbite was Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Maiduguri from 1984 to 1990. He was also a member of the Executive Committee of the Lagos State Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Adegbite was at the Constituent Assembly in 1976. He was chairman of the Ogun State Pilgrims Board and a member of the National Pilgrims Board.

    Born on March 20, 1933 into a strictly Moslem Egba family in Abeokuta, Ogun State, his first point of learning was an Arabic school before he was later enrolled at St. Paul’s Primary School, Igbore, Abeokuta in 1942, at age nine. He attended King’s College, Lagos, on scholarship, where he graduated in 1956. There he co-founded and then emerged as the first National President of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria.

    He taught law at the University of Lagos before going into private practice in 1976 when he founded the legal firm of Lateef Adegbite & Co, with himself being as the principal partner. His main office was in Lagos with a branch office in Ago-Oba, Abeokuta. He was one of the founders of the Abeokuta Social Club (now Abeokuta Club), in 1972.

    Dr Adegbite, a recipient of the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) and a true statesman was the holder of the revered traditional titles of Seriki of Egbaland and Baba Adinni of Egba Muslims. He lived an exemplary life of dedicated service to the nation. In him, Nigeria has lost an agent of peaceful coexistence and a bridge builder.

     

  • Adegbite’s death a monumental loss, says Ajimobi

    Adegbite’s death a monumental loss, says Ajimobi

    Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has described the death of the Secretary-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Dr. Lateef Adegbite, as “a monumental loss” to the Muslim community, the legal profession and Nigeria.

    In a statement yesterday by his media aide, Dr. Festus Adedayo, Ajimobi said he received the news of Adegbite’s demise with shock and disbelief.

    He described the deceased as an elder statesman, who lived his life fostering the country’s unity.

    The governor said the late Adegbite used his status as the NSCIA scribe to advance the cause of Islam and to ensure harmony among various religious groups.

    He said: “It is on record that the late Adegbite made his mark in the legal profession by seeking justice for the poor and oppressed.

    “His death is highly unfortunate and disheartening, more so at this critical time when the nation needs his spiritual counsel to tackle the myriads of problems confronting it.

    “We are, however, consoled by the fact that Adegbite lived a fulfilled life; a life of service to humanity.”

    Ajimobi urged the late Adegbite’s friends, associates and family to celebrate his passage, because he did his best to impact positively on fellow human beings and his fatherland.

    He prayed the Almighty Allah to grant the late Adegbite Aljanah Firdaus and the family the fortitude to bear the “irreparable loss”.