Members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Oyo Branch, gathered at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Cathedral, Asogo-Oyo, for a thanksgiving Mass to mark the beginning of their new legal year and the successful commencement of their 2025 Law Week. The Holy Mass was presided over by the Catholic Bishop of Oyo Diocese, Most Rev. Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo, and concelebrated by the Cathedral Administrator, Very Rev. Fr. Julius Olayinka, alongside other priests of the diocese. In his homily, Bishop Badejo warmly welcomed the legal practitioners, noting the uniqueness of having “so many white wigs” in the cathedral — a sight rarely seen.
He humorously remarked that no one could accuse the Church of being lawless that day, as the cathedral was filled with lawyers. The Bishop expressed gratitude to God for their presence and to the Cathedral Administrator, Very Rev. Fr. Olayinka, for facilitating the event, praying for God’s continued blessings upon his ministry. Reflecting on the readings of the day, he drew three key lessons — humility, obedience, and thanksgiving — referencing Psalms 6 and 18 and Micah 6:8. He reminded the congregation that “because of you, the hopeless still have hope.” Speaking on the theme of justice, Bishop Badejo noted that although perfect justice rarely exists in the world, lawyers must strive to ensure fairness and equity wherever they serve.
“To whom much is given, much is expected,” he said, urging the lawyers to remain faithful to their calling as defenders of truth and justice. He also honoured the memory of the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi, describing him as a fearless advocate who stood firmly against injustice, and emphasising that “a good name is better than silver and gold.” The Bishop reminded the congregation that the Holy Mass is the highest form of thanksgiving in the Catholic Church. He further noted that if Nigeria is to become a better nation, much of that responsibility lies in the hands of lawyers, doctors, and priests — professions that uphold justice, preserve life, and guide souls. He concluded by advising all present to obey both divine and civil laws, stating that “obedience is better than sacrifice.” He prayed for all leaders, lawyers, and judges, encouraging them to act with integrity and compassion.
The Cathedral Administrator, Very Rev. Fr. Julius Olayinka, thanked the members of the NBA for their presence and appreciated the Bishop for joining them in celebration. In her address, the Chairperson of the NBA Oyo Branch, Barr. Uchechi Bolarinwa, Esq., expressed profound gratitude to God for the grace of another successful legal year and for the opportunity to celebrate within the Church community. She acknowledged the presence of the Bishop, priests, religious, and parishioners, noting that the thanksgiving was not merely a routine tradition but a moment of deep reflection and sincere gratitude to God Almighty for His mercies upon the legal community. She added that the event also marked the beginning of their Law Week, themed “The Future of the Legal Profession: Challenges and Progress.”
On behalf of the NBA Oyo Branch (Royal Bar), she expressed appreciation to the leadership and congregation of Our Lady of the Assumption Cathedral for their constant support, prayers, and encouragement. “We know that whatever is placed in God’s hands is safe. That is why we are here — to thank Him and to entrust our activities into His care,” she said. She concluded by praying that Almighty God would continue to bless the diocese, the Bishop, and all the faithful for their spiritual and moral support to the legal community. Speaking in an interview after the thanksgiving Mass, Barr. Bolarinwa emphasised that the new legal year celebration serves as a spiritual renewal for lawyers.
“Every year we begin our legal year in October, and we decided to hold our thanksgiving first before the Law Week. We believe that entrusting our activities into God’s hands will bring success,” she explained. Addressing the role of lawyers in promoting justice and moral values, she said: “As the Bishop mentioned, the lawyer, doctor, and priest are pillars of trust and order in society. We must not forget the ‘God factor’ in our work. Programmes like this remind us of our duty to uphold justice and do what is right.” On maintaining integrity in the profession, she advised her colleagues: “Integrity should be the watchword of every legal practitioner.
We must not allow the pursuit of money to make us compromise our values. When you are known for integrity, people will always trust you. Money fades, but integrity endures. A good name is better than riches.” In another interview, Barr. Folabowale Paul Osegbade highlighted the activities scheduled for the week-long celebration. “We have come before the Lord, who is the author of life, to thank Him for His graces and to commit the activities of our Law Week into His hands because without Him, we can do nothing,” he said. He listed the programs, which include visits to correctional facilities, public lectures, and a dinner night marking the grand finale.
Speaking on justice and faith, Barr. Osegbade remarked: “As lawyers, we are ministers in the temple of justice, charged with promoting fairness, equity, and justice. The teachings of the Church on these virtues are profound. Christ Himself is the greatest advocate and should be our model.” He concluded by emphasising the virtue of integrity, saying: “A good name is better than gold. As the Bishop said, law is not just a profession but a vocation. We must live with integrity, knowing that one day, we will give account to the Most Holy Advocate, Jesus Christ.”
