History was made yesterday in Lagos State as two daughters of a former judge, the late Justice
James Williams, exchanged baton as the state’s chief judge.
At a well-attended programme held at Adeyemi Bero Hall of the state Secretariat, Governor
Babatunde Fashola (SAN) formally swore in Justice Funmilayo Atilade as the 15th chief judge of
Lagos State. She took over from her elder sister, Justice Ayotunde Philips.
Philips, who was sworn in on June 14, 2012, bowed out on July 26 after attaining the statutory
retirement age of 65.Justice Atilade, who was sworn in yesterday, is the fifth female chief judge
of the state, according to the governor.
Speaking on the occasion, Fashola urged the new chief judge to follow the footsteps of her elder
sister and adhere strictly to the rule of law in the discharge of her duties. The governor
commended the retired Justice Philips for keeping to her promises by reforming the state
judiciary during her two years tenure, saying: “She leaves behind a truly reformed judiciary; she
leaves behind electronical filing of cases in Lagos judiciary; she leaves behind her sister.”
He urged the new chief judge to work hard, saying there is more work for her to do as the chief
judge.While presenting the chief judge-designate for the oath of office, the state Attorney General
and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye, said Justice Atilade was strongly recommended by
the National Judicial Council (NJC) and ‘found worthy and confirmed’ by the state House of
Assembly.In her acceptance speech, Atilade described herself as ‘a child of destiny’, saying her
elevation to the apex of the state judiciary was ordained by God as she never saw herself as a
direct successor to her sister when she took up appointment in the state judiciary because there
were six other judges, including Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour, now of the Supreme Court, between
her and her predecessor.“I am a child of destiny; I am a child of the judiciary. This is the day
the Lord has made, I would rejoice in it,” she said.Justice Atilade promised to make
decongestion of the courts, training of staff, speedy dispensation of criminal cases, financial au­
tonomy of the judiciary and effective use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) as some of her
top priorities.
http://sunnewsonline.com/new/?p=78005

Lagos state administration is just a family affair

wow, that's beautiful. congrats to the retired and the new CJ