http://www.punchontheweb.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201108105205245

A former judge of the Court of Appeal and Chairman, Council of Legal Education,Justice Moronkeji Onalaja, on Sunday advocated the establishment of ecclesiastical courts in Nigeria.

Onalaja said this while delivering the maiden annual lecture of the Cathedral of Saint Jude, Ebute Meta Lagos, titled ‘Christian Ethics and the Rule of Law.’

He said that ecclesiastical courts would help in resolving disputes in Christian fold.

Onalaja said, “If there is a breach of a Christian law for instance and you report to the bishop how is he going to determine whether he is innocent or guilty of the allegation?

“As we have the Islamic law that is enforced by sharia courts in the country then we should allow for the agitation of ecclesiastical courts to be established in the country that would challenge the breach of Christian laws. I think the machinery should be set in motion.”

The guest lecturer also preached love among Christians and Nigerians in general.He also educated the audience at the lecture on the workings of the rule of law for the sustenance of the current democratic experiment and the for the promotion of peace and unity among Nigerians.

He noted with utmost dismay the way and manner in which the impeachment clause in the constitution has been applied since the beginning of the current democratic dispensation.

The programme was sponsored by the Young Men Christian Union in commemoration of the YMCU 70th anniversary.