…as council chair, others laud government’s initiative
The Lagos State Ministry of Justice on Wednesday, provided free legal consultation to residents of Epe community and its environs.
In her opening remarks, the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Titilayo Shitta-Bey-Jeje ably represented by the Director of Citizens’ Mediation Centre, Mrs. Abiola Oseni, stated that the free legal Clinic was organized to ensure residents of Epe get acquainted with the agencies and directorates of the Ministry and equally understand their respective roles.
She also stated that the initiative was meant to educate and sensitize members of the public about their fundamental human rights and the appropriate agencies to consult whenever there’s an infringement on their rights as citizens of Lagos State.
The Permanent Secretary further stressed that the State Government is very keen about the fundamental rights of the residents, reiterating the commitment of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration towards ensuring members of the public enjoy free and quick access to Justice.
“The Joint Free Legal Clinic team which is made up of all legal service-oriented departments and agencies in the Ministry, includes the Office of Public Defender (OPD), Citizens’ Mediation Centre (CMC), Public Advice Centre (PAC), Community Service Unit (CSU), Office of the Administrator-General & Public Trustee (AG&PT), Directorate of Citizens Rights (DCR), and the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) amongst others, are all here to render their services free of charge”.
Shitta-Bey-Jeje, however, urged the residents to disassociate from self-help and take advantage of free legal services put in place by the State Government.
She therefore urged members of the public to support the State Government’s dream of building a crime-free State with respect for the rule of law and fundamental human rights.
On her part, the Chairperson of Epe Local Government, Princess Surah Olayemi Animashaun, appreciated the laudable free legal clinic initiative.
She extended her appreciation to the State Government, Ministry of Justice and its agencies for not only conceptualizing and initiating the exercise but also for its bold steps in taking the legal clinic to the nooks and crannies of the State.
She urged residents of Epe to take full advantage of the legal services provided by the Ministry of Justice to ensure seamless alternative dispute resolution, easy dispensation of justice, and a peaceful co-existence among the people of Epe.
While appreciating the Lagos State Government for the free legal consultation, HRM, the Oloja of Epe, Oba Kamorudeen Animashaun, represented by the Olowa of Epe land, High Chief Adaramaja Oluomo, urged the residents of the Epe community to embrace the services provided by directorates and agencies of the Ministry, noting that not all matters should be taken to court.
The Oloja of Epe, advised residents of Epe that ignorance of the law is not an excuse. They are not to take laws into their own hands by acting accordingly and seeking legal ways to solve matters.
Attendees of the event includes Directors ,Lawyers and staff of the State Ministry of Justice, representative of Alara of Ilara Kingdom, High Chief Talabi Olatunji JP, Baale of Igboku-nla, Chief Ogundipe Rasheed and other notable traditional rulers and residents of Epe community.
The free legal clinic exercise have also been scheduled to hold at Ikorodu,Iba,Alimosho and Ibeju Lekki environs