The Lagos State government has held a reception for Justice Ayotunde Phillips, the immediate past Chief Judge, and her sister, Justice Funmilayo Atilade, who succeeded her. It was a gathering of eminent personalities in the judiciary, reports JOSEPH JIBUEZE
It is rare for two siblings to succeed each other as the Chief Judge of a state. But it happened in Lagos when Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade succeeded her elder sister Justice Ayotunde Phillips as chief judge.
Justice Atilade was sworn in as the fifth Chief Judge of the state on August 20.
The state has had three successive women chief judges in the past five years, starting with Justice Inumidun Akande, followed by Justice Phillips and now Justice Atilade.
To honour the history making sisters, the state held a reception for them at the prestigious City Hall on Catholic Mission Street on Lagos Island.
The massive hall was decorated in sparkling golden colours.
Gorgeously dressed men and women in suits, bow ties, dinner gowns and other formal attires graced the occasion.
There was enough to eat and drink. Before the event began, there was a cocktail, featuring assorted wines and spirits. Guests clinked classes in celebration.
Justice Phillips is the first Chief Judge to use a laptop at her own expense to do her job, according to the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Ade Ipaye.
She became a judge after a stint in the Ministry of Justice and was sworn in as the 14th Chief Judge on June 15, 2012. She retired on July 26.
Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) described the gathering as exciting, adding that the rivalry between the sisters is “healthy”.
“We couldn’t have been more fortunate in Lagos. We take pride in celebrating those who excel, who serve us with all their heart.
“We’ll continue to send out messages that all is not lost in Nigeria,” Fashola said.
Fashola believes Lagos has a judiciary that is not corrupt.
“We’re also sending out a statement that our integrity is more valuable to us than all our personal assets,” he added.
The governor drew a parallel between excellence in judicial administration and party politics.
Referring to the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries, Fashola said: “We’ve sent a strong message about the kind of politics we also want to play. A candidate has emerged and we’re moving on. No candidate has complained.
“The presidential primary was a model for the whole of Africa. We have shown that we can take care of our own affairs. Those are the things that make me happy to celebrate,” he said.
Fashola said Justice Phillips and Justice Atilade assumed leadership of the judiciary by merit.
“In the race to excellence, there is no finish line,” he added.
Supreme Court Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour, who worked with Justice Phillips in the Ministry of Justice, recalled her passion for music.
Justice Phillips, he said, was a leading member and vocalist in the Soul Assembly Band in the 60s.
“She was a tomboy all over Lagos. I was following her at her back,” he said jovially, adding: “I think I should stop there.”
He wished her good health in retirement, and expressed confidence in her sister-successor.
“Justice Atilade will be a great success. I have no doubt she will excel,” he said.
Justice Rhodes-Vivour gave an anecdote on which is the oldest profession in the world among medicine, law and engineering.
According to him, while the surgeons claim God made woman from man’s rib in the first act of surgery, the engineers claim God made the world in six days with engineering precision.
However, it is on record that God rested afterwards because of some kind of “chaos” in the world. “Who do you think created the chaos?” he asked, in reference to law, generating laughter in the full hall.
To Ipaye, it takes someone interested in the delivery of quality service to introduce something that had been lacking: judicial information system, which includes electronic filing of cases.
For the first time in the Lagos judiciary, there is an electronic search and archiving system, thanks to Justice Phillips.
During her tenure, the high court’s fast-track procedure was revamped, while several new courts were commissioned.
The court’s civil procedure rules also made Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) track compulsory.
“Justice Phillips is known today as the Chief Judge that heard the cries of detainees. We hope she will continue to serve as an inspiration to others,” he said.
Justice Raliatu Adebiyi recalled that Justice Phillips ran an open door policy.
“We congratulate you. We’ll miss your infectious smiles, the judges’ meeting where we share cake and tea, and those dance steps,” she said.
The judge, who along with Justice Phillips attended Queens College, recited the school’s anthem. Other old girls present joined in the hearty rendition, to a loud applause.
Justice Atilade, who was called to the Bar in 1976, started as a Senior Magistrate Grade II and rose to a judge.
Ipaye believes the new Chief Judge will succeed because she “has a burning desire” to surpass her sister’s achievements by, first, ensuring that cases are disposed speedily.
So far, she has superintended the appointment and swearing-in of four new judges, with three to follow soon, Ipaye said.
“I can’t think of any other Chief Judge who has brought in two batches of judges within a short time. That is why Lagos State judiciary remains a shining light,” he said.
Chief Magistrate, Eniola Fabanwo identified qualities which stand the sisters out: being down to earth, and their impeccable manners.
She said while Justice Phillips is an extrovert, Justice Atilade is a bit more reserved yet fun-loving, with a steely character.
She expressed confidence that the lot of magistrates would improve, with Justice Atilade at the helm.
“She’s one of us and is not unfamiliar with our challenges.
We pray the good Lord to give her more energy as we look forward to working with her,” she said.
Chairman, Lagos Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Mr Alex Muoka, said lawyers had excellent relations with Justice Phillips.
“For the first time, a sister has succeeded a sister as CJ of Lagos. Most of us may not see that history repeated,” he said.
He expressed hope that the Bar would work harmoniously with Justice Atilade.
“We wish her a successful tenure,” he said.
A friend of Justice Phillips, Mrs Bolaji Aboderin, said being with the celebrator was always a pleasure.
“There were no gossips…we just talked about ourselves. At her house she had piles of files, but she likes to enjoy herself. She loves to cook. She had time for her children,” she said.
Justice Phillips shared fond memories of how her band entertained Lagosians during her youth.
“We painted this town red. In secondary school, I painted the whole of the Western region red.
“If I had continued, maybe by now I’d be a senior, senior, senior Don Jazzy.
“I’m still a bit of a rascal. My red hair shows a bit of my rascality,” she joked.
The retired CJ attributed her success to the support of all in the judiciary.
“Everyone seemed to be in sync with what we were doing in the judiciary. I pray my sister will do whatever I have done 10 times better,” she added.
For Justice Atilade, it is reassuring to be recognised.
“I’m not unaware of the enormous responsibility entrusted on me by this appointment. It is even more demanding as the 2015 electoral process approaches,” she said.
Her focus, she said, would be on human capital development, improving the facilities and working conditions, decongesting the prisons and ensuring quick determination of cases.
“We shall continue to work harmoniously with the executive and the legislature to achieve a society where good governance is guaranteed,” she added.
Also at the event were former Chief Judge of Lagos, Justice Ade Alabi; Justice John Tsoho of the Federal High Court; doyen of accountancy, Chief Akintola Williams; Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun of the Supreme Court; Chief Emeka Ngige (SAN), Lagos State Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Justice Mr Lawal Pedro (SAN) and Dr Sola Labinjo, among others.
