By Jeffery Ahonmisi

The Catholic Archbishop of Ibadan, Most Reverend Gabriel Abegunrin, has admonished Nigerians who have committed crimes to face the consequences of their actions rather than mounting pressure on lawyers to pervert the course of justice.

The Most Reverend Abegunrin gave the charge at the 2025 Legal Year and Thanksgiving Mass, as well as the Public Lecture of the National Association of Catholic Lawyers, Ibadan, held at the Catholic Church of the Ascension, Bodija, Ibadan.

He urged people to desist from inducing legal practitioners with money to evade justice, describing such acts as ungodly.

The Archbishop of Ibadan explained that the special thanksgiving was not only organised for lawyers but for all professionals in the Catholic Church, to guide them in practicing their profession with the fear of God.

In his address, the National President of the Association, Mr. Edward Ogar, commended members for their performance in the last legal year, stressing that true justice would only be achieved when lawyers practice with integrity and fear of  God.

Mr. Ogar also advised stakeholders in the system to be courageous and work towards stamping out corruption, which has continued to hinder the sector’s growth and speedy dispensation of justice.

In his remarks, retired Justice of the Court of Appeal, Peter Ige, emphasized that quick justice could be attained if the government appointed more judges and reviewed the Constitution to include timelines for cases, irrespective of the social status or political affiliation of those involved.

Delivering the keynote lecture entitled “Is There Hope for Justice in Present-Day Nigeria?” Professor Titilayo Aderibigbe of the Faculty of Law, Babcock University, Ogun State, argued that systemic reforms alone could not guarantee justice without integrity at the heart of judicial practice.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Provincial and Ibadan Archdiocesan President of the National Association of Catholic Lawyers, Mr. Michael Agbolade, said the association had remained at the forefront of promoting justice in Nigeria. 

He noted that the body consistently provides free legal services—known as pro bono services—for indigent Nigerians.

Highlights of the Thanksgiving service included the launching of a book, A Guide for Catholic Faithful, and the presentation of awards to deserving members and guests.