Sanwo-Olu said, “In the first phase, we will be replicating the design of the Igbosere Court and every feature of the building to recreate the facade of the old building.”
By Jeffrey Agbo
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Monday performed the groundbreaking for the redevelopment of Igbosere High Court, Lagos Island.
The oldest courthouse in the country was razed by rampaging hoodlums during #EndSARS unrest protest in October 2020.
The courthouse is being reconstructed by Rebuild Lagos Trust Fund (RLTF) set up by Sanwo-Olu in November 2020 through the Executive Order EO/BOS/2020.
Sanwo-Olu was joined at the groundbreaking by the chairman, Nigerian Bar Association Lagos Branch Ikechukwu Nwanna; RLTF board chairman, Yemi Cardoso; Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat; the State Chief Judge, Justice Kazeem Alogba; Attorney General/Commissioner for Justice, Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN); and Special Adviser to the Governor on Works and Infrastructure, Aramide Adeyoye
The Igbosere Court dates back to the period when Lagos became the British Protectorate. It was formerly known as the Supreme Court until the relocation of Federal Capital Territory to Abuja when the court reverted to a State High Court.
Sanwo-Olu described the rebuilding effort as a “significant moment” in the administration of the justice system, noting the full restoration of the oldest judicial institution would help the State put the history of the courthouse in proper perspective.
The governor said Igbosere Court remained a symbolic heritage deeply ensconced in the sociology of Lagos.
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He assured that the courthouse would not only be restored with modernised facade to exhibit the full traits of its architecture but its facilities would also be upgraded to strengthen the administration of justice.
He said: “This is a simple but significant event in the judiciary. I am humbled to be performing the groundbreaking for the redevelopment of the Lagos High Court, Igbosere.
“We are on a journey to restore this architectural legacy, which has been part of Lagos heritage. We have put together a well-thought-out team comprising private sector professionals and Government officials to efficiently manage the Rebuild Lagos Trust Fund charged with the task to build back assets of the State destroyed by hoodlums.
“The team is to come together to advise and work with us while we continue this rebuild journey. This project is one of the several others that the Fund will be handling together.”
Sanwo-Olu added, “In the first phase, we will be replicating the design of the Igbosere Court and every feature of the building to recreate the facade of the old building.
“We are rebuilding a bigger edifice for Lady Justice. The courthouse will be brought back to life to ensure we have smooth dispensation of justice for our citizens.”