Justice must not be sold to highest bidder, bishop warns judges, lawyers

The Bishop of Lagos West, Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. James Odedeji, has warned judges and lawyers against allowing wealth, influence or personal interests to undermine justice as the Lagos state judiciary commenced its 2026/2027 New Legal Year on Monday.

Rev. Odedeji delivered a sermon titled: “Faithfulness” at the New Legal Year Special Service at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos.

Citing Leviticus 19:15, Odedeji urged members of the legal profession not to oppress the poor or favour the wealthy, adding that justice must be administered fairly.

“Justice must not be sold. Justice must not be distorted. Justice must not depend on status. Justice must not become available unto those who can afford it, the highest bidders,” he said.

Drawing from 1 Corinthians 4:2, the bishop reminded judges and lawyers that their offices were trusts and not personal possessions, adding that their decisions could affect people’s liberty, property, reputation and lives.

“We are stewards and not owners. Whatever position the Lord has given to us is borrowed,” he said.
Odedeji warned that professional success without integrity could amount to failure, saying, “A person may win a case and still lose his integrity. A person may obtain judgment in his favour and still stand condemned in his own conscience.”

He urged lawyers to combine competence with character, adding, “Let your competence be impressive, but let your character be unquestionable as you start a new legal year.”

The bishop also cautioned judicial officers against abusing their authority, stating that everyone remained accountable to God, whom he described as “a judge above every judge.”