Femi Falana Urges Lagos Legal Centre to Preserve Nigeria’s Legal History

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has urged the Lagos State Government to ensure that its new Centre for Legal Study, Research and Training becomes a key place for preserving Nigeria’s legal history. He made this statement during the Centre’s opening in Alausa, Ikeja.

Falana emphasized the importance of keeping landmark court decisions, such as the 1921 case of Amodu Tijani v Secretary, Southern Nigeria, which dealt with indigenous land rights. He believes these historical cases should be safeguarded for future generations.

He also pointed out that reforms in Nigeria’s legal system since 1999 have mainly focused on higher courts, neglecting customary courts. Falana called for the Centre to help improve understanding of the entire legal system and to promote respect for court rulings.

The Lagos State Government has established the Centre as a hub for legal research, training, and policy development. It aims to strengthen the justice system and prepare legal institutions for future challenges.

At the opening ceremony, Lawal Pedro, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, described the Centre as a significant investment in knowledge and the future of justice in Lagos State. He stated that it is the first facility of its kind within a Ministry of Justice in Nigeria, highlighting the need for continuous education and reform in the justice system.