MON. 30TH NOVEMBER 2009
Oh, the Squib’s not out today, meaning that the Squib on the stands was last week’s. Our apologies to dear Squibbers, especially those who persisted in troubling our correspondents for their “Monday-Monday tonic!”
Came to Ikeja High Court. For two cases. Had a meeting at the Bar Centre (NBA Ikeja Secretariat). Our new secretariat is coming up. All eyes will behold it.
TUE. 1ST DECEMBER 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. People were asking: “where is this week’s Squibb?” Did you publish this week?” etc.
WED. 2ND DECEMBER 2009
Came to the Ikeja High Court. The usual court scene of litigants, lawyers, loafers, staffers, etc, all about.
That cholera/dysentery cesspool at the entrance of Justice Alogba’s court now bigger, yet the authorities continue to turn a blind eye. What a shame!
THUR. 3RD DECEMBER 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. For a matter. Before an engaging judge. Laptopped judex. May be to kill boredom, this obviously intellectual adjudicator played mental games with counsel, a kind of legal swordsmanship.
FRI. 4TH DECEMBER 2009
Came to the “Tafawa Balewa Square Court” Onikan, Lagos! Is there any such court? Though not so named, it won’t be wrong to refer to the 11 High Courts sited at the Old National Assembly Building, Lagos.
Did my case and then took off to the Ikeja High Court. The world Cup 2010 draws held in South Africa, today.
Nigeria in the same group with Argentina, South Korea and Greece. We should qualify from this group, for the second round. At least.
SAT. 5TH DECEMBER 2009
With three other Tigers came to the Police College, Ikeja for the Ikeja Bar’s weekend sports programme.
Our fun was stopped mid-way, by one self important fellow, who drove his shiny black jeep right on to the field to bark peremptorily at us: “carry your ball!”
The big man cop, obviously showing off his ride, still wheeled round to the edge of the field that we retired to, to ask, “you want me to seize your ball?”
You would have thought us erring school boys and the fellow, the high and mighty Mr. School Principal!
Imagine our mortification, when the man disclosed to us that “I am a lawyer too!” Lawyer?
Monday, December 14, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
3RD WEEK NOVEMBER 09 (16TH - 21ST)
SQUIB DIARY
MONDAY 16TH NOVEMBER 2009
The Squib’s out. Cover Story- “Will the Trial judge, suffer for convicting Chief Olabode George?” Was at the Ikeja High Court. Regular People. Regular Sights-including the Excreta filled frontage of Justice Alogba’s court.
Expectedly, there were some talks about on the loss of the finals of the under 17 FIFA World Cup tournament by Nigeria to Switzerland by 1-0 yesterday. At any rate, there was some consolation in the air - Nigeria qualified for the World Cup for the 4th time on Saturday 14 November, by beating Kenya 3-2 and topping their group ahead of the more likely winner Tunisia.
TUESDAY 17TH NOVEMBER 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. But for a brief while. Moved on to the Lagos High Court-For this and that legal preparation, for a serious case, coming up tomorrow.
WEDNESDAY 18TH NOVEMBER 2009
Busy, busy day. God knows my bones too. Did three cases in two courts, in two high courts all in a space of three hours. After finishing the first two cases at the High court at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Onikan, literally sprinted to make the third in good time, at the Lagos High Court Igbosere, more than half a kilometer away.
THURSDAY 19TH NOVEMBER 2009
Woke up to find that the Lord of the Dry Air, a.k.a harmattan had arrived town. Got to the Ikeja High Court and spent a few hours there, particularly, at the new “out-going” secretariat of the Tiger Bar.
In a matter of weeks, or even days, the bungalow would be pulled down, after more than twenty years of service, to pave way for the Tiger’s new office edifice.
All eyes will behold it. Amen!
FRIDAY 20TH NOVEMBER 2009
Was in the chambers all through today. It’s like that sometimes, you know.
SATURDAY 21ST NOVEMBER 2009
Came to the Police College Ikeja grounds for the Tigers Bar Sportif Programme. Only two other tigers turned up. No problem though. We still had our exercise and fun.
MONDAY 16TH NOVEMBER 2009
The Squib’s out. Cover Story- “Will the Trial judge, suffer for convicting Chief Olabode George?” Was at the Ikeja High Court. Regular People. Regular Sights-including the Excreta filled frontage of Justice Alogba’s court.
Expectedly, there were some talks about on the loss of the finals of the under 17 FIFA World Cup tournament by Nigeria to Switzerland by 1-0 yesterday. At any rate, there was some consolation in the air - Nigeria qualified for the World Cup for the 4th time on Saturday 14 November, by beating Kenya 3-2 and topping their group ahead of the more likely winner Tunisia.
TUESDAY 17TH NOVEMBER 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. But for a brief while. Moved on to the Lagos High Court-For this and that legal preparation, for a serious case, coming up tomorrow.
WEDNESDAY 18TH NOVEMBER 2009
Busy, busy day. God knows my bones too. Did three cases in two courts, in two high courts all in a space of three hours. After finishing the first two cases at the High court at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Onikan, literally sprinted to make the third in good time, at the Lagos High Court Igbosere, more than half a kilometer away.
THURSDAY 19TH NOVEMBER 2009
Woke up to find that the Lord of the Dry Air, a.k.a harmattan had arrived town. Got to the Ikeja High Court and spent a few hours there, particularly, at the new “out-going” secretariat of the Tiger Bar.
In a matter of weeks, or even days, the bungalow would be pulled down, after more than twenty years of service, to pave way for the Tiger’s new office edifice.
All eyes will behold it. Amen!
FRIDAY 20TH NOVEMBER 2009
Was in the chambers all through today. It’s like that sometimes, you know.
SATURDAY 21ST NOVEMBER 2009
Came to the Police College Ikeja grounds for the Tigers Bar Sportif Programme. Only two other tigers turned up. No problem though. We still had our exercise and fun.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
2ND WEEK NOVEMBER 09 ( 9TH-13TH)
SQUIB DIARY
MONDAY 9TH NOVEMBER 2009
The Squib’s out. Cover story- How Bode's boys Batter(sic) Barrister in court. http://www.squibcoverstory.blogspot.com
Was at the Ikeja High Court. Lest I forget, since two weeks now, the open registry which was shifted to two former court rooms and chambers (Justice Adesanya’s court and Justice Dayo Oyebanji court) have relocated back to their former offices, “ever and more modern too”, directly behind Justice Oshodi’s court.
TUESDAY 10TH NOVEMBER 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. Moved around, lawyering and 'geckoing,' if you know what I mean.
WEDNESAY 11TH NOVEMBER 2009
Hectic Day. First bus-stop: The magistrate court, Ebute-metta. Waited for hours on end (9.00-1:15p.m) for presiding magistrate to show up.
When his honour came (from new base) with some explanation work started. From Ebute-Metta dashed down to the Lagos High Court, before leaving off to Ikeja High Court. For a meeting of the Tiger Bar Executive Committee.
THURSDAY 12TH NOVEMBER 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. Regular lawyer’s job. Sorted these out and geckoed a bit. The chairman (Dave Ajetomobi), 1st Vice Chairman, (Dare Akande), the secretary (Isa Buhari) of the Tiger Bar and one or two members of the branch off to Osogbo to the law week of the Osogbo bar. That’s one fun-trip the 1st Gecko had to miss.
FRIDAY 13TH NOVEMBER 2009
Thank God it’s Friday. So far, had been a hectic week. Most times, it’s like that - work, work and work…and yet more work.
Notice that progress continues in the building of the New Secretariat of the NBA Ikeja branch. Bravo! But more work yet.
MONDAY 9TH NOVEMBER 2009
The Squib’s out. Cover story- How Bode's boys Batter(sic) Barrister in court. http://www.squibcoverstory.blogspot.com
Was at the Ikeja High Court. Lest I forget, since two weeks now, the open registry which was shifted to two former court rooms and chambers (Justice Adesanya’s court and Justice Dayo Oyebanji court) have relocated back to their former offices, “ever and more modern too”, directly behind Justice Oshodi’s court.
TUESDAY 10TH NOVEMBER 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. Moved around, lawyering and 'geckoing,' if you know what I mean.
WEDNESAY 11TH NOVEMBER 2009
Hectic Day. First bus-stop: The magistrate court, Ebute-metta. Waited for hours on end (9.00-1:15p.m) for presiding magistrate to show up.
When his honour came (from new base) with some explanation work started. From Ebute-Metta dashed down to the Lagos High Court, before leaving off to Ikeja High Court. For a meeting of the Tiger Bar Executive Committee.
THURSDAY 12TH NOVEMBER 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. Regular lawyer’s job. Sorted these out and geckoed a bit. The chairman (Dave Ajetomobi), 1st Vice Chairman, (Dare Akande), the secretary (Isa Buhari) of the Tiger Bar and one or two members of the branch off to Osogbo to the law week of the Osogbo bar. That’s one fun-trip the 1st Gecko had to miss.
FRIDAY 13TH NOVEMBER 2009
Thank God it’s Friday. So far, had been a hectic week. Most times, it’s like that - work, work and work…and yet more work.
Notice that progress continues in the building of the New Secretariat of the NBA Ikeja branch. Bravo! But more work yet.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
1ST WEEK NOVEMBER 09 (2ND - 7TH)
SQUIB DIARY
MONDAY 2ND NOVEMBER 2009
The Squib's out. Cover story? “BODE GEORGE GOES TO "SCHOOL” The jailing of a prominent politician by a High Court Judge, (Oyewole J.) last week.
It was a full house in the courts this morning as litigants, lawyers and other members of the public were around in large number. The situation could have been different. If the Lagos State branch of the Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) had joined their other colleagues in some other states to embark on industrial action.
The JUSUN, Lagos branch is quite an important branch - it is not only the largest, but the most sophisticated and located in the very capital of journalism in Nigeria - Lagos. The failure of the JUSUN-Lagos to join the strike, took the shine off the action across the nation. Can tell that branch members are divided over the “non-joining” posture of Lagos JUSUN. While some said it was strategic, others accused the branch leaders of compromising their interests in the new alliance with the new chief judge of Lagos State.
TUESDAY 3RD NOVEMBER 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. Spent only about thirty minutes, there before “Vamoosing.” Can see great progress being made in the building of the new secretariat of the NBA Ikeja branch.
WEDNESDAY 4TH NOVEMBER 2009
Arrived the Lagos High Court, Igbosere for a case. Bemusedly watched as a counsel jumped up to tell the honourable presiding judge that he was representing the defendant (accused) who had just briefed him that morning. Yet half a minute before then another counsel had announced appearance, for the same defendant. When the judge asked the man in the dock to identify his counsel of the two, he disowned “Mr. just-newly briefed-counsel!” May be it was a case of the devil you know...
THURSDAY 5TH NOVEMBER 2009
Was at the Lagos Ikeja High Court. For a matter. Never went on. Moved on to the Magistrate Court Ebute-Metta, where I saw a “Charge and Bail” brethren on his customary perch on a table, placed in such a way that all ingress and egress into the court’s compound was open to the perching counsel. Well positioned, you’d say!
FRIDAY 6TH NOVEMBER 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. For a case. Did it and “zoomed” off to the Ebute-metta magistrate court. What a dirty court. Gaining access thereto was also a bother. The road was choked up with haphazardly packed vehicles. Even though there are ten courts at the EBT magistrate court, it has no registry. All filings take place in the magistrate court Sabo. Rushed down to Sabo and filed papers. The Sabo court is by far cleaner and 'saner' than Ebute-Metta’s.
SATURDAY 7TH NOVEMBER 2009
Was at the Police College Ikeja playing ground for the sport and fitness programme of the NBA Ikeja branch. Only one Tiger participated today. My humble self. Managed to have a good time though. After, moved to the bar centre to join some other 'Exco' members to supervise the offloading of several tonnes of cement bags there. Who says the Tigers are not going to have a bigger and more befitting secretariat soon?
MONDAY 2ND NOVEMBER 2009
The Squib's out. Cover story? “BODE GEORGE GOES TO "SCHOOL” The jailing of a prominent politician by a High Court Judge, (Oyewole J.) last week.
It was a full house in the courts this morning as litigants, lawyers and other members of the public were around in large number. The situation could have been different. If the Lagos State branch of the Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) had joined their other colleagues in some other states to embark on industrial action.
The JUSUN, Lagos branch is quite an important branch - it is not only the largest, but the most sophisticated and located in the very capital of journalism in Nigeria - Lagos. The failure of the JUSUN-Lagos to join the strike, took the shine off the action across the nation. Can tell that branch members are divided over the “non-joining” posture of Lagos JUSUN. While some said it was strategic, others accused the branch leaders of compromising their interests in the new alliance with the new chief judge of Lagos State.
TUESDAY 3RD NOVEMBER 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. Spent only about thirty minutes, there before “Vamoosing.” Can see great progress being made in the building of the new secretariat of the NBA Ikeja branch.
WEDNESDAY 4TH NOVEMBER 2009
Arrived the Lagos High Court, Igbosere for a case. Bemusedly watched as a counsel jumped up to tell the honourable presiding judge that he was representing the defendant (accused) who had just briefed him that morning. Yet half a minute before then another counsel had announced appearance, for the same defendant. When the judge asked the man in the dock to identify his counsel of the two, he disowned “Mr. just-newly briefed-counsel!” May be it was a case of the devil you know...
THURSDAY 5TH NOVEMBER 2009
Was at the Lagos Ikeja High Court. For a matter. Never went on. Moved on to the Magistrate Court Ebute-Metta, where I saw a “Charge and Bail” brethren on his customary perch on a table, placed in such a way that all ingress and egress into the court’s compound was open to the perching counsel. Well positioned, you’d say!
FRIDAY 6TH NOVEMBER 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. For a case. Did it and “zoomed” off to the Ebute-metta magistrate court. What a dirty court. Gaining access thereto was also a bother. The road was choked up with haphazardly packed vehicles. Even though there are ten courts at the EBT magistrate court, it has no registry. All filings take place in the magistrate court Sabo. Rushed down to Sabo and filed papers. The Sabo court is by far cleaner and 'saner' than Ebute-Metta’s.
SATURDAY 7TH NOVEMBER 2009
Was at the Police College Ikeja playing ground for the sport and fitness programme of the NBA Ikeja branch. Only one Tiger participated today. My humble self. Managed to have a good time though. After, moved to the bar centre to join some other 'Exco' members to supervise the offloading of several tonnes of cement bags there. Who says the Tigers are not going to have a bigger and more befitting secretariat soon?
Friday, November 6, 2009
4TH WEEK OCTOBER (26TH - 30TH)
SQUIB DIARY
MON. 26TH OCT 09
The Squib's out. Coverstory on the mass re-posting of Magistrates by the new Chief Judge of Lagos State Inumidun Akande J.
Arrived Ikeja High court only to find it in the grip of bedlam. Confusion reigned in the adjourning streets of Compound A of the Ikeja High Court as the gates thereto were firmly locked against members of the public, lawyers, litigants and judiciary staff.
Reason? Judgement in the Case of FRN vs Olabode George in progress. In Honourable Justice Olubunmi Oyewole’s court.
Quite a struggle it was at the gate as people battled to enter the court compound to attend to their various businesses.
Little respite until about 12.30pm. News surfaced around 1.pm that Bode “Lagos Boy” George and his other co-accused had received mandate to have two years stay at the Maximum prisons Kirikiri.
Could confirm that the Chief Judge of Lagos State Inumidun Akande J had cleared her office of attached furniture therein. New seats now in use in the C.J’s office. Hope that the change will extend to other courts.
TUESDAY 27TH OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Lagos Ikeja High Court. For a case that went on. Court today wasits normal self, free of the “Bode George effect” of yesterday. The rain, in the afternoon, fell. Hard, heavy and furious.
WEDNESDAY 28TH OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Lagos High Court today. The court at Igbosere and one at the Tafawa Balewa Square. Couldn’t but smile to myself when some fellows hailed my entrance with some funny salutations and hailing, “Awaiting SAN!” International Lawyer! Editor-in-Chief! SAN-in-waiting! Squib baba! Guess that you too are now smiling. The whole thing smacked of commercial praise singing.
THURSDAY 29TH OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Federal High Court. For the Ogunlana vs Sotuminu & Ors Case. Matter did not go on as the judge did not sit.
FRIDAY 30TH OCTOBER 2009
Spent at least two hours covering the 8 kilometer distance between my house and the Ikeja High Court. Courtesy, traffic jam.
The mandatory continuous education of the NBA held at the Bar Centre of the Ikeja High Court. Scanty attendance. Later in the day, watched at the Bar Centre, the soccer match between Nigeria and Argentina in the Under 17 FIFA World Cup taking place in Nigeria.
Nigeria won 2-1.
MON. 26TH OCT 09
The Squib's out. Coverstory on the mass re-posting of Magistrates by the new Chief Judge of Lagos State Inumidun Akande J.
Arrived Ikeja High court only to find it in the grip of bedlam. Confusion reigned in the adjourning streets of Compound A of the Ikeja High Court as the gates thereto were firmly locked against members of the public, lawyers, litigants and judiciary staff.
Reason? Judgement in the Case of FRN vs Olabode George in progress. In Honourable Justice Olubunmi Oyewole’s court.
Quite a struggle it was at the gate as people battled to enter the court compound to attend to their various businesses.
Little respite until about 12.30pm. News surfaced around 1.pm that Bode “Lagos Boy” George and his other co-accused had received mandate to have two years stay at the Maximum prisons Kirikiri.
Could confirm that the Chief Judge of Lagos State Inumidun Akande J had cleared her office of attached furniture therein. New seats now in use in the C.J’s office. Hope that the change will extend to other courts.
TUESDAY 27TH OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Lagos Ikeja High Court. For a case that went on. Court today wasits normal self, free of the “Bode George effect” of yesterday. The rain, in the afternoon, fell. Hard, heavy and furious.
WEDNESDAY 28TH OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Lagos High Court today. The court at Igbosere and one at the Tafawa Balewa Square. Couldn’t but smile to myself when some fellows hailed my entrance with some funny salutations and hailing, “Awaiting SAN!” International Lawyer! Editor-in-Chief! SAN-in-waiting! Squib baba! Guess that you too are now smiling. The whole thing smacked of commercial praise singing.
THURSDAY 29TH OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Federal High Court. For the Ogunlana vs Sotuminu & Ors Case. Matter did not go on as the judge did not sit.
FRIDAY 30TH OCTOBER 2009
Spent at least two hours covering the 8 kilometer distance between my house and the Ikeja High Court. Courtesy, traffic jam.
The mandatory continuous education of the NBA held at the Bar Centre of the Ikeja High Court. Scanty attendance. Later in the day, watched at the Bar Centre, the soccer match between Nigeria and Argentina in the Under 17 FIFA World Cup taking place in Nigeria.
Nigeria won 2-1.
3RD WEEK OCTOBER (19TH - 24TH)
SQUIB DIARY
MONDAY 19TH OCTOBER 2009
The Squib’s out. Cover story on the use of attached goods in the offices of the Lagos state Judiciary. Was at the Ikeja High Court. For a case. In Justice Mufutau Olokooba’s court. Matter adjourned till tomorrow. Outside the court on the corridor saw Major Al-Mustapha, former Police Commissioner James Danbaba and two others of their case-mates (the Alex Ibru attempted murder case). In a swell of symphatizers. That case has been on since 1999.
Strolled to the front of the chief judge’s office. Noticed beautification project in progress. Was glad to hear that at the High Court in Igbosere, Lagos, the Chief Judge sat. Understood her cause list for the day had 22 cases and she heard them all. Hmmm, what a departure from a period in the past when a particular chief judge used to sit once in a blue moon?
Heard that last week the chief judge with her chief registrar and deputy chief registrars went on an inspection tour of various courts in the state.
TUESDAY 20TH OCTOBER 2009
Was in Ikeja High Court. For wig and gown business. My matters went on. The court rooms appeared dirty. Heard that the contractor in-charge of cleaning up the environment has been sacked. No replacement yet.
WEDNESDAY 21ST OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Lagos High Court. For a case. Matter did not go on, although the court sat. After spending some time geckoing, left for a snap visit to the Lands Registry and the Ministry of Justice, Alausa Ikeja before finally berthing at the secretariat of the Tiger Bar Ikeja .
THURSDAY 22ND OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Ogba Police Station. The Area ‘G’. Proper trouble house. A lot of hollering all around. Cops here and there. With guns and guns without.
Left the place in good time. Then went for a meeting of bar leaders with the Chief Judge Lagos State. Fruitful meeting.
FRIDAY 23RD OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Lagos High Court. The one at the old National Assembly building at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Onikan. For a case. Saw a retired judge, now in the form and shape of a litigant. How true the proverbs of our fathers-
Igba o tan lo bi orere
Orere omo olofin
(no permanence in the
stations and affairs of men)
SATURDAY 24TH OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Police College for the Tiger’s Sports Programme. At a point, was the only Tiger present. Then the chairman of the branch ‘surfaced’. Later the scriptures that “If yea refused to worship the Lord, then these very trees would raise up their voices to praise him” came true. Four damsels emerged from nowhere to apply to the Elekun of Ekun land, and my humble self, the Mayegun of Ikeja Bar and the Majeobaje of Tigerland to kick balls with us. Only dead Tigers would reject such application.
Needless to say, we all had a wonderful time together. You know?
MONDAY 19TH OCTOBER 2009
The Squib’s out. Cover story on the use of attached goods in the offices of the Lagos state Judiciary. Was at the Ikeja High Court. For a case. In Justice Mufutau Olokooba’s court. Matter adjourned till tomorrow. Outside the court on the corridor saw Major Al-Mustapha, former Police Commissioner James Danbaba and two others of their case-mates (the Alex Ibru attempted murder case). In a swell of symphatizers. That case has been on since 1999.
Strolled to the front of the chief judge’s office. Noticed beautification project in progress. Was glad to hear that at the High Court in Igbosere, Lagos, the Chief Judge sat. Understood her cause list for the day had 22 cases and she heard them all. Hmmm, what a departure from a period in the past when a particular chief judge used to sit once in a blue moon?
Heard that last week the chief judge with her chief registrar and deputy chief registrars went on an inspection tour of various courts in the state.
TUESDAY 20TH OCTOBER 2009
Was in Ikeja High Court. For wig and gown business. My matters went on. The court rooms appeared dirty. Heard that the contractor in-charge of cleaning up the environment has been sacked. No replacement yet.
WEDNESDAY 21ST OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Lagos High Court. For a case. Matter did not go on, although the court sat. After spending some time geckoing, left for a snap visit to the Lands Registry and the Ministry of Justice, Alausa Ikeja before finally berthing at the secretariat of the Tiger Bar Ikeja .
THURSDAY 22ND OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Ogba Police Station. The Area ‘G’. Proper trouble house. A lot of hollering all around. Cops here and there. With guns and guns without.
Left the place in good time. Then went for a meeting of bar leaders with the Chief Judge Lagos State. Fruitful meeting.
FRIDAY 23RD OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Lagos High Court. The one at the old National Assembly building at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Onikan. For a case. Saw a retired judge, now in the form and shape of a litigant. How true the proverbs of our fathers-
Igba o tan lo bi orere
Orere omo olofin
(no permanence in the
stations and affairs of men)
SATURDAY 24TH OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Police College for the Tiger’s Sports Programme. At a point, was the only Tiger present. Then the chairman of the branch ‘surfaced’. Later the scriptures that “If yea refused to worship the Lord, then these very trees would raise up their voices to praise him” came true. Four damsels emerged from nowhere to apply to the Elekun of Ekun land, and my humble self, the Mayegun of Ikeja Bar and the Majeobaje of Tigerland to kick balls with us. Only dead Tigers would reject such application.
Needless to say, we all had a wonderful time together. You know?
2ND WEEK OCTOBER 09 (12TH - 17TH)
SQUIB DIARY
MONDAY 12TH OCTOBER 2009
The Squib’s out. Cover Story is “WHEN CAN LAWYERS DRESS SHABBILY?”
Noticed that more and more digging up in the old secretariat of the NBA Ikeja branch. Remember the Tigers are set to have a befitting three Story building for office to replace their pre-fab bungalow.
Did some filing at the Open Registry of the Court and zoomed off to the Land Registry for some other work. The L.T is an apparent gold-mine for the government-the parking lot fee alone is #500.00 per car, per visit. Yet scant space for vehicles to park.
As usual with most government establishment, demanding and collecting gratification is a life-style here. While one staff told us “the “machine” is not working” another explained it is the toner that is finished, but if you put something on top, your job will be given priority” while another yet called us to a private conference saying after “you finish in that office ‘X’ and that office ‘Y’, bring your papers, I’ll help you to submit it.
Believe me, Nigeria is a funny country. Assessed fees were paid to an “under the tree” branch of the Access Bank, in the form of four young men in a black car, armed with payment vouchers/receipts, in a shopping complex a road away and opposite the Lands Registry. You wondered at the arrangement!
TUESDAY 13TH OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court for a case that couldn’t go on. Reason the court room’s air-conditioning packed up. Honourable Judge couldn’t sit in sweltering heat. In the High Court Ikeja, compound ‘A’ there’s no more Food Canteen. The age-long operator, may be of more than twenty years stay, been sent packing. Heard that the new Administration of Chief Judge Inumidun Akande is responsible for the sack-part of the effort to re-brand the High Court premises.
WEDNESDAY 14TH OCTOBER 2009
It rained, and rained and rained. Cats and dogs, it rained, here in Lagos. For about six hours (6.30-1.00pm) thereabouts.
The wet weather affected matters in court as so many legal practitioners arrived late to court. Adjournment of matters galore!
THURSDAY 15TH OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Federal High Court Ikoyi-Lagos. For Adesina Ogunlana vs Justice Ibitola Sotuminu &Ors. Matter was adjourned.
FRIDAY 16TH OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Federal High Court. Once more. For a very important case. Very. Would give you fuller gist later.
Saw a particular judge of the Federal High Court. Only yesterday, he was a counsel, just like you and I. Now he is now a patridge on the ridge-a judge.
Wished milord the very best in his new station of life. We actually prayed together, briefly right there and then on the way.
Came down to the Ikeja High Court, late in the afternoon. At the bar centre (secretariat of the NBA Ikeja) saw a lot of development work in progress at the site. Soon the old straggle would fo down. Well, that’s life.
SATURDAY 17TH OCTOBER 2009
Can you imagine this-The NBA Ikeja’s Tigers Sportif Club is one year old? The Tiger Bar Sports and Fitness programme started October 18 2009.
We thank God.
Tigers and their families who turned up for the proramme, had a nice time, running, jugging and later playing football.
Fresh limed paw0paw and pineapple were eaten, courtesy Glo(ria) Nwenze, the treasurer of the branch. Photographs were taken later of the attendees.
MONDAY 12TH OCTOBER 2009
The Squib’s out. Cover Story is “WHEN CAN LAWYERS DRESS SHABBILY?”
Noticed that more and more digging up in the old secretariat of the NBA Ikeja branch. Remember the Tigers are set to have a befitting three Story building for office to replace their pre-fab bungalow.
Did some filing at the Open Registry of the Court and zoomed off to the Land Registry for some other work. The L.T is an apparent gold-mine for the government-the parking lot fee alone is #500.00 per car, per visit. Yet scant space for vehicles to park.
As usual with most government establishment, demanding and collecting gratification is a life-style here. While one staff told us “the “machine” is not working” another explained it is the toner that is finished, but if you put something on top, your job will be given priority” while another yet called us to a private conference saying after “you finish in that office ‘X’ and that office ‘Y’, bring your papers, I’ll help you to submit it.
Believe me, Nigeria is a funny country. Assessed fees were paid to an “under the tree” branch of the Access Bank, in the form of four young men in a black car, armed with payment vouchers/receipts, in a shopping complex a road away and opposite the Lands Registry. You wondered at the arrangement!
TUESDAY 13TH OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court for a case that couldn’t go on. Reason the court room’s air-conditioning packed up. Honourable Judge couldn’t sit in sweltering heat. In the High Court Ikeja, compound ‘A’ there’s no more Food Canteen. The age-long operator, may be of more than twenty years stay, been sent packing. Heard that the new Administration of Chief Judge Inumidun Akande is responsible for the sack-part of the effort to re-brand the High Court premises.
WEDNESDAY 14TH OCTOBER 2009
It rained, and rained and rained. Cats and dogs, it rained, here in Lagos. For about six hours (6.30-1.00pm) thereabouts.
The wet weather affected matters in court as so many legal practitioners arrived late to court. Adjournment of matters galore!
THURSDAY 15TH OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Federal High Court Ikoyi-Lagos. For Adesina Ogunlana vs Justice Ibitola Sotuminu &Ors. Matter was adjourned.
FRIDAY 16TH OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Federal High Court. Once more. For a very important case. Very. Would give you fuller gist later.
Saw a particular judge of the Federal High Court. Only yesterday, he was a counsel, just like you and I. Now he is now a patridge on the ridge-a judge.
Wished milord the very best in his new station of life. We actually prayed together, briefly right there and then on the way.
Came down to the Ikeja High Court, late in the afternoon. At the bar centre (secretariat of the NBA Ikeja) saw a lot of development work in progress at the site. Soon the old straggle would fo down. Well, that’s life.
SATURDAY 17TH OCTOBER 2009
Can you imagine this-The NBA Ikeja’s Tigers Sportif Club is one year old? The Tiger Bar Sports and Fitness programme started October 18 2009.
We thank God.
Tigers and their families who turned up for the proramme, had a nice time, running, jugging and later playing football.
Fresh limed paw0paw and pineapple were eaten, courtesy Glo(ria) Nwenze, the treasurer of the branch. Photographs were taken later of the attendees.
1ST WEEK OCTOBER 09(5TH - 10TH)
SQUIBDIARY
MONDAY 5TH OCTOBER 2009
The Squib’s out. Cover story-“Why They Are After Me” -Dele Oye NBA PROSECUTOR CRIES OUT.
Spent hours with the motor-repair man. Came late for the Tiger Bar meeting. But still met some action. The talk on the floor when I came in was on the controversy of scrapping the Senior Advocate of Nigeria Award or not.
Incidentally at the meeting of about 200 lawyers, only one Senior Advocate - Dele Adesina S.A.N, formerly Deacon, now pastor was present.
Wondered at his feelings as criticisms of his class and rank flowed ceaselessly. Hot, sharp criticisms for that matter. When the silk spoke, it was a dance in all directions before finally gravitating to an imprecise centre. Can’t blame the poor silk, he was in a lonely minority, more like a case of “Christian seek yet no rest for you are amidst foes!"
Another interesting topic of discussion was the imprisonment of Mr. Adebayo Jegede by Justice Olusola Williams for criminal contempt. Jegede, called to the bar in 1972, was found by the judge to have attacked and lower the reputation of another Lagos State Judge, Okunnu J. in an affidavit.
At the end of the day, the consensus appeared to be that, lawyers no matter the provocation from the bench should refrain from being caught in a situation where they could properly be tried for contempt by the courts.
TUESDAY 6TH OCTOBER 2009
Was in court - the Ikeja High Court for a matter, which did not go on. Nonetheless had an interesting time in the very court. Heard from the presiding judge, the story of the Hyena and the Hunter’s Dog. See, please the Learned Squib page for elaboration. http://www.learnedsquib.blogspot.com
Heard about the sudden death of, Mr. Oluwatobi Francis Morighanfen, a member of the sheriffs corps of the Lagos State Judiciary.
Popularly called Tobi, Morighafen, 37, a beefy six-footer plus, was reportedly found stone dead in a gutter somewhere in Ikorodu Town in the early morning hours of 1st October 2009.
According to geckos, though dead, Tobi had no visible, external injury on his body, but clutched some naira notes in his palm (about N1,800.00) and his shirt (uniform) and phone were found in his bag but his trousers was in some places be-splattered with mud.
There is a general suspicion among Lagos Judiciary Staff, particularly, his fellow sheriffs, that his death was violent and un-natural and came from now unknown person(s) opined a source.
“Some of our colleagues received a call in the morning of 1st October 2009 from Tobi’s wife that her husband did not sleep at home on September 30 which was very unusual of him.
A search party was raised to find him and at about 10.00am, we found his body in the morgue at Ikorodu. The police at Owutu explained to us that they were alerted by some members of the public to the presence of a corpse and it turned out to be him.
Our shock was that all through 30th September 2009, Tobi was okay. He was normally a healthy lively fellow who loved to eat amala with some of our colleagues.
He was still in the premises till about 6.00pm, after having some drinks but some people said he had N150,000.00 with him - for the performance of an imminent execution.
Then we were told that one of the ladies who work in the courts here saw him around 10.00pm on his way to his house, but that he was having some hot argument with some policemen who arrested the “okada” man who was ferrying him to his destination.
According to the lady, she pleaded with the late Tobi to go on his way but he insisted on staying back with the Okada man whom he believed was just being cheated by the police-men.
At a point time, so claimed the lady, one of the policemen came to tell Tobi that the fact of his being a judiciary staff meant nothing to them and that it was only in the courts that Tobi could exercise any power.”
The late Morghanfen, is survived by his wife and three children. Who killed the Sheriff? And what exactly are Tobi’s employers doing about the tragic development?
WEDNESDAY 7TH OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Ikeja High court. Heard the depressing news that within a fortnight, the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) would embark on another round of industrial action.
JUSUN’s complaint is the government’s failure to honour her agreement with the union on the new salary structure for judiciary workers all over the country.
A credible source told the Squib that as per the agreement, the lowest paid judiciary staff, on Grade 1, will earn a N27,000.00 monthly salary as opposed to (in Lagos State) the present N7,000 he receives.
So far according to our source, only two states of the 31 state federation has honoured the agreement. It would be recalled that last time the JUSUN went on strike, courts were shut down for 42 days from December 1 2008 to Jan 12 2009.
It was a strike that made many lawyers, particularly advocates go hungry as they were rustificated from practicing their trade by the closure of the courts.
Except something positive and urgent is done about JUSUN’s notice of strike, history will repeat itself. Why, I ask is it so difficult to take care of so called junior workers? Why?
THURSDAY 1ST OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. For a case that went on. I’ve been seeing something to cheer about, since Monday. The NBA Ikeja has finally started in earnest to replace its ‘ile-eye' (bird’s nest) of a secretariat with a bigger and more befitting structure.
Saw all manners of work men toiling on the site. Some of these workers in the course of their work, unearthed some dirty ugly secrets long buried below the earth. Could you guess what these secrets were? The name starts with a C and ends with an N’. There is ‘D’ in the middle. Do you think it is Condemn? Ha!ha!ha!
FRIDAY 8TH OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. While geckoing about, forgot my car key in a particular place. Retrieved it safely, sha after some moments of anxiety, then continued geckoing! That, after rushing my court-room wig and gown business.
Oh my God, Justice Alogba’s court again! I mean the entrance to that court is such a mess and an eye-sore. Even worse - a cesspit of dangerous diseases like dysentery, diarrhea, typhoid etc. Burst sewage floods the place with the unmentionable. Imagine the stink!
Hope our brand new Chief Judge is reading this.
SATURDAY 9TH OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Police College. This morning. With four other colleagues for our Tiger Bar week-end sports programme. Pray, where are the other Tigers. Mates you are missing some great fun. Pls come and 'shake body.' You’ve got nothing to lose, except some fat!
MONDAY 5TH OCTOBER 2009
The Squib’s out. Cover story-“Why They Are After Me” -Dele Oye NBA PROSECUTOR CRIES OUT.
Spent hours with the motor-repair man. Came late for the Tiger Bar meeting. But still met some action. The talk on the floor when I came in was on the controversy of scrapping the Senior Advocate of Nigeria Award or not.
Incidentally at the meeting of about 200 lawyers, only one Senior Advocate - Dele Adesina S.A.N, formerly Deacon, now pastor was present.
Wondered at his feelings as criticisms of his class and rank flowed ceaselessly. Hot, sharp criticisms for that matter. When the silk spoke, it was a dance in all directions before finally gravitating to an imprecise centre. Can’t blame the poor silk, he was in a lonely minority, more like a case of “Christian seek yet no rest for you are amidst foes!"
Another interesting topic of discussion was the imprisonment of Mr. Adebayo Jegede by Justice Olusola Williams for criminal contempt. Jegede, called to the bar in 1972, was found by the judge to have attacked and lower the reputation of another Lagos State Judge, Okunnu J. in an affidavit.
At the end of the day, the consensus appeared to be that, lawyers no matter the provocation from the bench should refrain from being caught in a situation where they could properly be tried for contempt by the courts.
TUESDAY 6TH OCTOBER 2009
Was in court - the Ikeja High Court for a matter, which did not go on. Nonetheless had an interesting time in the very court. Heard from the presiding judge, the story of the Hyena and the Hunter’s Dog. See, please the Learned Squib page for elaboration. http://www.learnedsquib.blogspot.com
Heard about the sudden death of, Mr. Oluwatobi Francis Morighanfen, a member of the sheriffs corps of the Lagos State Judiciary.
Popularly called Tobi, Morighafen, 37, a beefy six-footer plus, was reportedly found stone dead in a gutter somewhere in Ikorodu Town in the early morning hours of 1st October 2009.
According to geckos, though dead, Tobi had no visible, external injury on his body, but clutched some naira notes in his palm (about N1,800.00) and his shirt (uniform) and phone were found in his bag but his trousers was in some places be-splattered with mud.
There is a general suspicion among Lagos Judiciary Staff, particularly, his fellow sheriffs, that his death was violent and un-natural and came from now unknown person(s) opined a source.
“Some of our colleagues received a call in the morning of 1st October 2009 from Tobi’s wife that her husband did not sleep at home on September 30 which was very unusual of him.
A search party was raised to find him and at about 10.00am, we found his body in the morgue at Ikorodu. The police at Owutu explained to us that they were alerted by some members of the public to the presence of a corpse and it turned out to be him.
Our shock was that all through 30th September 2009, Tobi was okay. He was normally a healthy lively fellow who loved to eat amala with some of our colleagues.
He was still in the premises till about 6.00pm, after having some drinks but some people said he had N150,000.00 with him - for the performance of an imminent execution.
Then we were told that one of the ladies who work in the courts here saw him around 10.00pm on his way to his house, but that he was having some hot argument with some policemen who arrested the “okada” man who was ferrying him to his destination.
According to the lady, she pleaded with the late Tobi to go on his way but he insisted on staying back with the Okada man whom he believed was just being cheated by the police-men.
At a point time, so claimed the lady, one of the policemen came to tell Tobi that the fact of his being a judiciary staff meant nothing to them and that it was only in the courts that Tobi could exercise any power.”
The late Morghanfen, is survived by his wife and three children. Who killed the Sheriff? And what exactly are Tobi’s employers doing about the tragic development?
WEDNESDAY 7TH OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Ikeja High court. Heard the depressing news that within a fortnight, the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) would embark on another round of industrial action.
JUSUN’s complaint is the government’s failure to honour her agreement with the union on the new salary structure for judiciary workers all over the country.
A credible source told the Squib that as per the agreement, the lowest paid judiciary staff, on Grade 1, will earn a N27,000.00 monthly salary as opposed to (in Lagos State) the present N7,000 he receives.
So far according to our source, only two states of the 31 state federation has honoured the agreement. It would be recalled that last time the JUSUN went on strike, courts were shut down for 42 days from December 1 2008 to Jan 12 2009.
It was a strike that made many lawyers, particularly advocates go hungry as they were rustificated from practicing their trade by the closure of the courts.
Except something positive and urgent is done about JUSUN’s notice of strike, history will repeat itself. Why, I ask is it so difficult to take care of so called junior workers? Why?
THURSDAY 1ST OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. For a case that went on. I’ve been seeing something to cheer about, since Monday. The NBA Ikeja has finally started in earnest to replace its ‘ile-eye' (bird’s nest) of a secretariat with a bigger and more befitting structure.
Saw all manners of work men toiling on the site. Some of these workers in the course of their work, unearthed some dirty ugly secrets long buried below the earth. Could you guess what these secrets were? The name starts with a C and ends with an N’. There is ‘D’ in the middle. Do you think it is Condemn? Ha!ha!ha!
FRIDAY 8TH OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. While geckoing about, forgot my car key in a particular place. Retrieved it safely, sha after some moments of anxiety, then continued geckoing! That, after rushing my court-room wig and gown business.
Oh my God, Justice Alogba’s court again! I mean the entrance to that court is such a mess and an eye-sore. Even worse - a cesspit of dangerous diseases like dysentery, diarrhea, typhoid etc. Burst sewage floods the place with the unmentionable. Imagine the stink!
Hope our brand new Chief Judge is reading this.
SATURDAY 9TH OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Police College. This morning. With four other colleagues for our Tiger Bar week-end sports programme. Pray, where are the other Tigers. Mates you are missing some great fun. Pls come and 'shake body.' You’ve got nothing to lose, except some fat!
Saturday, October 31, 2009
4TH WEEK SEPT/1ST WEEK OCT(28TH SEPT-3RD OCT) 09
SQUIB DIARY
MONDAY 28TH SEPTEMBER 2009
Hurray! The Squib is out. After so many weeks of vacation. The cover story? THE TRUE AND FULL CAUSE OF GANI FAWEHINMI’S DEATH.
The Lagos Judiciary celebrated the New Legal Year (2009-2010) today. Was at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, for the Christian service. The judges were there, looking noble and pious in their red ceremonial out-fits. Why do judges ceremonials come in red? Well, well. Saw lawyers too, plenty sef in the holy building, but not looking quite as pious as the judges. Well may be because the learned friends were wearing their eternal, if not fraternal-black gowns. Even the gold overlays on the silk-lawyers’ gown could not help cast any holy halo on them. They only looked like fat cats.
After the service (sermon delivered by Bishop Ademowo) there were photograph sessions in front of the church House. Hearty greetings, here and there. Amongst judges, magistrates and counsel alike.
Saw Geckos mingle with men and women. And, horror, saw some magistrates even judges deigning it fit to take photographs with the first Gecko, Yours truly!
Later the party moved to the High Court, Igbosere. For the march past and light entertainment. Only that the entertainment was not all that light. The food spread was impressive, adequate for the rather large crowd of ‘celebrants’ that turned up.
There were three ‘tents’. The best decorated and comfiest with our conditioners pressed to work was right in the middle. It was for the first class and Senior Advocates. Ahem.
At a point a gecko saw in there, a turbaned figure and was told that that was Serikim Musulumi Ikorodu Chief Imam Fatai Adeyinka of the Ikorodu Central Mosque and formerly Chief Judge of Lagos State. Where upon the gecko exclaimed “Ah, Alahu Akbar! So Fatai too is now one of the prophets?"
Earlier on in the day the scene gecko saw another retired judge of Lagos state High Court - James Oduneye J. After the Church Service. The attempt to dye the shaven head of the judge, turned the head into a welter of blue-black lines and shapes.
The second tent was for the second class citizen magistrates, while the third tent was for the ordinary un-silky lawyers 3rd class citizens. As for the judiciary workers, there was no tent for them. They just queued up along a window, from where “manna” dropped down.
Must not forget to mention that the entertainment included light music from a Robot. Musician: the turntable of a Disco-Jockery. Oh, my! Forgot to mention about the march past.
Was told it was a very brief affair may be less than fifteen minutes.
TUESDAY 29TH SEPTEMBER 2009
Went to the Events Centre CBD Ikeja to attend a training workshop on “Crime Scene Management”. Just for forty minutes - poor acoustics drove restless me away.
WEDNESDAY 30TH SEPTEMBER 2009
Came to the Lagos High Court Tafawa Balewa Square. My matter could not go on. Spent time there geckoing about the court.
THURSDAY 1ST OCTOBER 2009
Public Holiday. Nigerians love few other things than a public holiday. Every-time holiday! Please don’t mind me jare - just the rantings of an over-worked, over-heated-gecko, who was still in his den up to 11.00pm. On Independence Day!
FRIDAY 2ND OCTOBER 2009
Came down to Lagos high Court. For a case. Judge absent. On the way for I.B.A conference. Reportedly. Later left for the Maximum Security Prison to see some of those who put bread on my table.
On the way back, at the Airport fell into the hands of Towing Vehicle Family of Vultures, about seven in number. The Squib-mobile had minor hiccups, rectifiable within minutes, by simply opening the bonnet and allowing greater sweep of wind to the engine. The vehicle was safety parked on a shoulder, causing no obstruction. But the vultures would not listen to any ‘sense’ outside ‘settlement’.
"Your offence is #25,000.00! We have to tow away this vehicle. Speak our language or the vehicle will be towed away! “We are the task force!" All this, despite the fact the SM had come out of her coma. At the end of the day #2,000.00 was extorted from me - and that for not acting the uppity “alakowe”. The vultures (young male adults 21-36 years of age thereabouts) came in their raiding van, a post world-war contraption with a FAAN sticker, with plate number CA 578 FST. Time 3.20p.m.
SATURDAY 3RD OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Police College, Ikeja. For Tigers’ Sportif. But was even too unwell to come down from the car to exercise the ailing body. Learnt later that one other Tiger had arrived and left before I came. Tiger Farounbi Olayinka.
MONDAY 28TH SEPTEMBER 2009
Hurray! The Squib is out. After so many weeks of vacation. The cover story? THE TRUE AND FULL CAUSE OF GANI FAWEHINMI’S DEATH.
The Lagos Judiciary celebrated the New Legal Year (2009-2010) today. Was at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, for the Christian service. The judges were there, looking noble and pious in their red ceremonial out-fits. Why do judges ceremonials come in red? Well, well. Saw lawyers too, plenty sef in the holy building, but not looking quite as pious as the judges. Well may be because the learned friends were wearing their eternal, if not fraternal-black gowns. Even the gold overlays on the silk-lawyers’ gown could not help cast any holy halo on them. They only looked like fat cats.
After the service (sermon delivered by Bishop Ademowo) there were photograph sessions in front of the church House. Hearty greetings, here and there. Amongst judges, magistrates and counsel alike.
Saw Geckos mingle with men and women. And, horror, saw some magistrates even judges deigning it fit to take photographs with the first Gecko, Yours truly!
Later the party moved to the High Court, Igbosere. For the march past and light entertainment. Only that the entertainment was not all that light. The food spread was impressive, adequate for the rather large crowd of ‘celebrants’ that turned up.
There were three ‘tents’. The best decorated and comfiest with our conditioners pressed to work was right in the middle. It was for the first class and Senior Advocates. Ahem.
At a point a gecko saw in there, a turbaned figure and was told that that was Serikim Musulumi Ikorodu Chief Imam Fatai Adeyinka of the Ikorodu Central Mosque and formerly Chief Judge of Lagos State. Where upon the gecko exclaimed “Ah, Alahu Akbar! So Fatai too is now one of the prophets?"
Earlier on in the day the scene gecko saw another retired judge of Lagos state High Court - James Oduneye J. After the Church Service. The attempt to dye the shaven head of the judge, turned the head into a welter of blue-black lines and shapes.
The second tent was for the second class citizen magistrates, while the third tent was for the ordinary un-silky lawyers 3rd class citizens. As for the judiciary workers, there was no tent for them. They just queued up along a window, from where “manna” dropped down.
Must not forget to mention that the entertainment included light music from a Robot. Musician: the turntable of a Disco-Jockery. Oh, my! Forgot to mention about the march past.
Was told it was a very brief affair may be less than fifteen minutes.
TUESDAY 29TH SEPTEMBER 2009
Went to the Events Centre CBD Ikeja to attend a training workshop on “Crime Scene Management”. Just for forty minutes - poor acoustics drove restless me away.
WEDNESDAY 30TH SEPTEMBER 2009
Came to the Lagos High Court Tafawa Balewa Square. My matter could not go on. Spent time there geckoing about the court.
THURSDAY 1ST OCTOBER 2009
Public Holiday. Nigerians love few other things than a public holiday. Every-time holiday! Please don’t mind me jare - just the rantings of an over-worked, over-heated-gecko, who was still in his den up to 11.00pm. On Independence Day!
FRIDAY 2ND OCTOBER 2009
Came down to Lagos high Court. For a case. Judge absent. On the way for I.B.A conference. Reportedly. Later left for the Maximum Security Prison to see some of those who put bread on my table.
On the way back, at the Airport fell into the hands of Towing Vehicle Family of Vultures, about seven in number. The Squib-mobile had minor hiccups, rectifiable within minutes, by simply opening the bonnet and allowing greater sweep of wind to the engine. The vehicle was safety parked on a shoulder, causing no obstruction. But the vultures would not listen to any ‘sense’ outside ‘settlement’.
"Your offence is #25,000.00! We have to tow away this vehicle. Speak our language or the vehicle will be towed away! “We are the task force!" All this, despite the fact the SM had come out of her coma. At the end of the day #2,000.00 was extorted from me - and that for not acting the uppity “alakowe”. The vultures (young male adults 21-36 years of age thereabouts) came in their raiding van, a post world-war contraption with a FAAN sticker, with plate number CA 578 FST. Time 3.20p.m.
SATURDAY 3RD OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Police College, Ikeja. For Tigers’ Sportif. But was even too unwell to come down from the car to exercise the ailing body. Learnt later that one other Tiger had arrived and left before I came. Tiger Farounbi Olayinka.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
4TH WEEK JULY (27TH-1ST AUGUST 2009)
SQUIB DIARY
MONDAY 27TH JULY 2009
The Squib’s not on the stands. The ‘fiery one’ on holiday too!
Today was her publisher’s birth-day. A birth-day forgotten in the furnace of preparation for battle in the case of C.J Lagos vs Adesina Ogunlana coming up the very next day in Abuja.
The said birthday was forgotten, until when the Generalissimo of the campaign, Daddy 3, Chief G.O.K Ajayi S.A.N in the middle of battle plans and preparation at about 3.42 am in the morning of 27th July 2009 suddenly asked his troops of lawyers and secretary “will you gentlemen care for (a bottle of) red-wine?”
Much later in the day, got the suit FHC/L/CS/792lag Adesina Ogunlana vs Ibitola Sotuminu & Ors filed at the Federal High Court, Lagos (see Bar & Bench NEWS 2).
TUESDAY 28TH JULY 2009
Was at the Court of Appeal Abuja. For my case C.J. Lagos vs Adesina Ogunlana esq before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee. The matter was adjourned at Respondent’s Counsel (Chief G.O.K Ajayi S.A.N) request. Counsel had filed on behalf of Ogunlana an application for leave to apply for an order of prohibition against the LPDC.
Some fireworks though, before the adjournment was granted. It started when the prosecutor in the matter, Dele Oye esq ‘reported’ the respondent to the LPDC that in the interval of the matter, Respondent had caused certain negative things to be published about him calling him in the said publication therein a persecutor. Thereafter the following conversation took place:
Chief Awomolo S.A.N: (addressing Dele Oye) Where is the publication? What you should have done is to bring it here and show us. (Turning to Ogunlana) Em, Mr. Ogunlana, you see how well meaning your publication may be, you must avoid being personal or sentimental in what you write. There is no need to be personal about things, Mr. Oye is only doing a job on appointment. And you know he is yet to reach his peak. Anything can be used against him in the future.”
Ogunlana: My Lords, can I possibly address this honourable committee?
Committee: Yes, you can.
Ogunlana: Mr. Dele Oye here is complaining about me, that I wrote some things against him. But what I want to say is this, the person who wrote the petition against me, saying I publish defamatory articles against judges of Lagos State stated the years 2001 and 2002 for the articles But Mr. Prosecutor here is charging me for articles written in 2004 even up till 2007!
Chief Awomolo S.A.N: Mr. Ogunlana please take it easy. Afterall you have not crossed paths with Mr. Dele Oye. Or have your paths crossed?
Ogunlana: Yes our paths have crossed.
Chief Awomolo SAN: It’s alright. We won’t go into that now.
Ogunlana: I got upset because I showed the complaint to him (Dele Oye esq) but he said it was typographical error!
Committee: Yes, but that’s the issue you should bring up before this committee.
Dele Oye: We saw that we made a mistake, which we have now corrected but when we wanted to serve Mr. Ogunlana now with the new complaint, he refused to accept it.
Committee: He wouldn’t accept it?
Ogunlana: I wouldn’t! I am represented by counsel!
Chief Awomolo SAN: You wouldn’t want to waive your right and collect it?
Ogunlana: Sir I’ll like to continue to hide behind the shadow of the presence of my counsel. I need the advice of my lawyer whether to accept this new complaint or not and he is not here.
Chairman: Yes, you are right. Since he has a lawyer, let them serve his lawyer. Mr. Ogunlana we don’t want you to see any one as being against you. We all here are on an assignment, including Mr. Dele Oye. You present your own case against theirs.
Please convey our message to Chief Ajayi about this case he has filed at the Federal High Court. Chief Ajayi is a lawyer we have a lot of regard for just as we have for every other counsel. May be he has not adverted his mind to the position of the Supreme Court that nobody can stop us here to look into the issue of professional misconduct. We have series of rulings on that by the Supreme Court and the High Courts themselves have been careful not to go against the position of the Supreme Court.
However we will grant the adjournment that he has requested for, till the next session. Please convey our message to him.
Mr. Dele Oye: We will not ask for cost
Chairman: Even if you ask for cost I am sure Mr. Ogunlana here will not give you a kobo or will you, Mr. Ogunlana?
Ogunlana: Sir, Mr. Oye said he came back from London only yesterday. Such a man will not need a kobo!
It must be on record that before the proceedings went under way, Mr. Rafiu Lawal-Rabana S.A.N one of the committee members, announced in open court that he was opting out of the committee in respect of the C.J Lagos vs Adesina Ogunlana matter. According to Mr. Lawal-Rabana his decision was informed by the fact that during his time as General Secretary, of the Nigerian Bar Association (2006-2008) he had had cause, in his official capacity to have some dealings with the Respondent and would not want to give any impression of having any bias against the respondent on account of that.
WEDNESDAY 29TH JULY 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. For continuation of the trial of a case. The rest of the day, spent on some personal runs.
THURSDAY 30TH JULY 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. Noticed that human-waste fluid continued to seep out from a poorly re-constructed sewage tank at the entrance of Justice Kazeem Alogba’s court. Death for sale, here?
FRIDAY 31ST JULY 2009
Was at the court of Appeal Lagos, this morning specifically at the registry to check up on the progress of a lodged appeal. In the late afternoon, with other members of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the NBA conference 2009 (holding in Lagos) held a meeting with the Central Planning Committee (CPC) of the conference, at the National Secretariat of the NBA.
The LOC via her sub committees chairman on Security, Accommodation and Transportation reported extensively on these important headings to CPC. Other important issues like the feeding (free lunches) of the conferees also discussed critically. One important heading (publicity) was not discussed at all, as the National Executive Committee are said to be in charge of that. From all indications, preparations are on top gear to have a successful bar conference in Lagos come 17th -21st August 2009, more so as the Lagos State Government is partnering seriously with the NBA on the project.
SATURDAY 1ST AUGUST 2009
Only one Tiger, this writer, turned up for the Sportif programme of the Ikeja Bar at the Police College grounds Ikeja. But it was worth the while, I tell you.
MONDAY 27TH JULY 2009
The Squib’s not on the stands. The ‘fiery one’ on holiday too!
Today was her publisher’s birth-day. A birth-day forgotten in the furnace of preparation for battle in the case of C.J Lagos vs Adesina Ogunlana coming up the very next day in Abuja.
The said birthday was forgotten, until when the Generalissimo of the campaign, Daddy 3, Chief G.O.K Ajayi S.A.N in the middle of battle plans and preparation at about 3.42 am in the morning of 27th July 2009 suddenly asked his troops of lawyers and secretary “will you gentlemen care for (a bottle of) red-wine?”
Much later in the day, got the suit FHC/L/CS/792lag Adesina Ogunlana vs Ibitola Sotuminu & Ors filed at the Federal High Court, Lagos (see Bar & Bench NEWS 2).
TUESDAY 28TH JULY 2009
Was at the Court of Appeal Abuja. For my case C.J. Lagos vs Adesina Ogunlana esq before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee. The matter was adjourned at Respondent’s Counsel (Chief G.O.K Ajayi S.A.N) request. Counsel had filed on behalf of Ogunlana an application for leave to apply for an order of prohibition against the LPDC.
Some fireworks though, before the adjournment was granted. It started when the prosecutor in the matter, Dele Oye esq ‘reported’ the respondent to the LPDC that in the interval of the matter, Respondent had caused certain negative things to be published about him calling him in the said publication therein a persecutor. Thereafter the following conversation took place:
Chief Awomolo S.A.N: (addressing Dele Oye) Where is the publication? What you should have done is to bring it here and show us. (Turning to Ogunlana) Em, Mr. Ogunlana, you see how well meaning your publication may be, you must avoid being personal or sentimental in what you write. There is no need to be personal about things, Mr. Oye is only doing a job on appointment. And you know he is yet to reach his peak. Anything can be used against him in the future.”
Ogunlana: My Lords, can I possibly address this honourable committee?
Committee: Yes, you can.
Ogunlana: Mr. Dele Oye here is complaining about me, that I wrote some things against him. But what I want to say is this, the person who wrote the petition against me, saying I publish defamatory articles against judges of Lagos State stated the years 2001 and 2002 for the articles But Mr. Prosecutor here is charging me for articles written in 2004 even up till 2007!
Chief Awomolo S.A.N: Mr. Ogunlana please take it easy. Afterall you have not crossed paths with Mr. Dele Oye. Or have your paths crossed?
Ogunlana: Yes our paths have crossed.
Chief Awomolo SAN: It’s alright. We won’t go into that now.
Ogunlana: I got upset because I showed the complaint to him (Dele Oye esq) but he said it was typographical error!
Committee: Yes, but that’s the issue you should bring up before this committee.
Dele Oye: We saw that we made a mistake, which we have now corrected but when we wanted to serve Mr. Ogunlana now with the new complaint, he refused to accept it.
Committee: He wouldn’t accept it?
Ogunlana: I wouldn’t! I am represented by counsel!
Chief Awomolo SAN: You wouldn’t want to waive your right and collect it?
Ogunlana: Sir I’ll like to continue to hide behind the shadow of the presence of my counsel. I need the advice of my lawyer whether to accept this new complaint or not and he is not here.
Chairman: Yes, you are right. Since he has a lawyer, let them serve his lawyer. Mr. Ogunlana we don’t want you to see any one as being against you. We all here are on an assignment, including Mr. Dele Oye. You present your own case against theirs.
Please convey our message to Chief Ajayi about this case he has filed at the Federal High Court. Chief Ajayi is a lawyer we have a lot of regard for just as we have for every other counsel. May be he has not adverted his mind to the position of the Supreme Court that nobody can stop us here to look into the issue of professional misconduct. We have series of rulings on that by the Supreme Court and the High Courts themselves have been careful not to go against the position of the Supreme Court.
However we will grant the adjournment that he has requested for, till the next session. Please convey our message to him.
Mr. Dele Oye: We will not ask for cost
Chairman: Even if you ask for cost I am sure Mr. Ogunlana here will not give you a kobo or will you, Mr. Ogunlana?
Ogunlana: Sir, Mr. Oye said he came back from London only yesterday. Such a man will not need a kobo!
It must be on record that before the proceedings went under way, Mr. Rafiu Lawal-Rabana S.A.N one of the committee members, announced in open court that he was opting out of the committee in respect of the C.J Lagos vs Adesina Ogunlana matter. According to Mr. Lawal-Rabana his decision was informed by the fact that during his time as General Secretary, of the Nigerian Bar Association (2006-2008) he had had cause, in his official capacity to have some dealings with the Respondent and would not want to give any impression of having any bias against the respondent on account of that.
WEDNESDAY 29TH JULY 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. For continuation of the trial of a case. The rest of the day, spent on some personal runs.
THURSDAY 30TH JULY 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. Noticed that human-waste fluid continued to seep out from a poorly re-constructed sewage tank at the entrance of Justice Kazeem Alogba’s court. Death for sale, here?
FRIDAY 31ST JULY 2009
Was at the court of Appeal Lagos, this morning specifically at the registry to check up on the progress of a lodged appeal. In the late afternoon, with other members of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the NBA conference 2009 (holding in Lagos) held a meeting with the Central Planning Committee (CPC) of the conference, at the National Secretariat of the NBA.
The LOC via her sub committees chairman on Security, Accommodation and Transportation reported extensively on these important headings to CPC. Other important issues like the feeding (free lunches) of the conferees also discussed critically. One important heading (publicity) was not discussed at all, as the National Executive Committee are said to be in charge of that. From all indications, preparations are on top gear to have a successful bar conference in Lagos come 17th -21st August 2009, more so as the Lagos State Government is partnering seriously with the NBA on the project.
SATURDAY 1ST AUGUST 2009
Only one Tiger, this writer, turned up for the Sportif programme of the Ikeja Bar at the Police College grounds Ikeja. But it was worth the while, I tell you.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
1ST WEEK JULY 2009 (6TH-11TH)
SQUIB DIARY
MONDAY 6TH JULY 2009
The Squib’s out. Cover story – SEX AND THE BENCH. Promised too be a sell-out. The NBA Ikeja held her monthly meeting today. Dave Ajetomobi Esq, presided. As usual, the meeting was well attended by members and was quite lively.
TUESDAY 7TH JULY 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. For a matter. My witness (defence) proved quite intelligent, almost to the point of entertainment during cross-examination. Let me give you a teaser from the trial.
Prosecutor: Are you not aware that it is against the law to give money to get a position?
Witness: I don’t know about that. But even those who rule us do give us money to vote for them during elections!
Can you beat that?
WEDNESDAY 8TH JULY 2009
Had a trial in the High Court today. The High Court at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) Onikan Lagos. Ol’ boy, cross-examination can be so sweet. That is, if you were not the one under cross-examination. The Squib’s no longer on the stands. Sold out since yesterday.
THURSDAY 9TH JULY 2009
Spent 11/2 hours from Isolo to Festac Town for a meeting that lasted only 45 minutes. Spent another 2 hours to reach Ikeja, from Festac. What a terrible and wasteful way of doing business! For fear of worse traffic jams, abandoned the car to “bike” it to another appointment at Opebi.
It was not until 7.00p.m that there was breathing space to have a splendidly cold breakfast.
FRIDAY 10TH JULY 2009
Oh what a rainy, hectic day! The heavens opened early in the morning and continued to pour or and drizzle off and on all through the day. Was in court for a criminal trial from morning (10.00pm) till 5.00p.m. But my case did not effectively start until about 3.45p.m!
SATURDAY 11TH JULY 2009
Was yesterday rainy? Today, no less so. All plans of holding the Tigers week-end games and sports frustrated accordingly.
MONDAY 6TH JULY 2009
The Squib’s out. Cover story – SEX AND THE BENCH. Promised too be a sell-out. The NBA Ikeja held her monthly meeting today. Dave Ajetomobi Esq, presided. As usual, the meeting was well attended by members and was quite lively.
TUESDAY 7TH JULY 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. For a matter. My witness (defence) proved quite intelligent, almost to the point of entertainment during cross-examination. Let me give you a teaser from the trial.
Prosecutor: Are you not aware that it is against the law to give money to get a position?
Witness: I don’t know about that. But even those who rule us do give us money to vote for them during elections!
Can you beat that?
WEDNESDAY 8TH JULY 2009
Had a trial in the High Court today. The High Court at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) Onikan Lagos. Ol’ boy, cross-examination can be so sweet. That is, if you were not the one under cross-examination. The Squib’s no longer on the stands. Sold out since yesterday.
THURSDAY 9TH JULY 2009
Spent 11/2 hours from Isolo to Festac Town for a meeting that lasted only 45 minutes. Spent another 2 hours to reach Ikeja, from Festac. What a terrible and wasteful way of doing business! For fear of worse traffic jams, abandoned the car to “bike” it to another appointment at Opebi.
It was not until 7.00p.m that there was breathing space to have a splendidly cold breakfast.
FRIDAY 10TH JULY 2009
Oh what a rainy, hectic day! The heavens opened early in the morning and continued to pour or and drizzle off and on all through the day. Was in court for a criminal trial from morning (10.00pm) till 5.00p.m. But my case did not effectively start until about 3.45p.m!
SATURDAY 11TH JULY 2009
Was yesterday rainy? Today, no less so. All plans of holding the Tigers week-end games and sports frustrated accordingly.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
LAST WEEK JUNE/FIRST WEEK JULY(29TH JUNE-4TH JULY)
SQUIB DIARY: i've not posted in a bit but i'm doing it all practically at a go, transferring posts/entries from my offline diary, online (starting from june this year!).
MON 29TH JUNE 2009
Squib’s out: Cover story? “Will History Repeat Itself?” Talking about the chances of Taiwo Taiwo Esq. and Gboyega Kolade, the two leading candidates in the NBA Lagos branch elections for the post of chairman.
Came to the Ikeja High Court for another matter.
TUE. 30TH JUNE 2009
Was at the Lagos High Court. For two cases. Both before the same court. One held, the other didn’t. 50-50, you say?
WED 1ST JULY 2009
Was at the Lagos High Court Tafawa Balewa Square. My matter did go on, but not fully.
Rushed down to the Ikeja High Court, for another case. No dice. Before arrival, the court had adjourned the matter.
An “alleged” meeting of the outgoing Chief Judge, Mr. Justice Adetula Alabi and the leadership of the Bar in Lagos State, did not take place eventually. Agenda of the botched meeting – commercialization of the High Court premises.
THUR. 2ND JULY 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. For a matter that eventually didn’t go on. Simply because counsel to defendants was not in court. And because case was listed for ‘mention’ wonderful? Slack Justice, I say. Left court for the Maximum place. Kirikiri.
The Max, had its “visitors lounge” surrounded by a large pool of water. After my business there, got back to the Ikeja High Court. Wasted no less than 45 minutes due to traffic jam caused by a spread of potholes at the Berger curve that would cost less than fifty thousand naira to repair. Nobody, particularly the car dealers and operators who in their dozens do business in the area, appear to care a hoot about the potholes! Nigeria.
FRI. 3RD JULY 2009
Didn’t touch the courts today. Paid a visit to Daddy 3. The old guy, believe me is still working so h
ard. Dad is never ever going to retire from this job.
MON 29TH JUNE 2009
Squib’s out: Cover story? “Will History Repeat Itself?” Talking about the chances of Taiwo Taiwo Esq. and Gboyega Kolade, the two leading candidates in the NBA Lagos branch elections for the post of chairman.
Came to the Ikeja High Court for another matter.
TUE. 30TH JUNE 2009
Was at the Lagos High Court. For two cases. Both before the same court. One held, the other didn’t. 50-50, you say?
WED 1ST JULY 2009
Was at the Lagos High Court Tafawa Balewa Square. My matter did go on, but not fully.
Rushed down to the Ikeja High Court, for another case. No dice. Before arrival, the court had adjourned the matter.
An “alleged” meeting of the outgoing Chief Judge, Mr. Justice Adetula Alabi and the leadership of the Bar in Lagos State, did not take place eventually. Agenda of the botched meeting – commercialization of the High Court premises.
THUR. 2ND JULY 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. For a matter that eventually didn’t go on. Simply because counsel to defendants was not in court. And because case was listed for ‘mention’ wonderful? Slack Justice, I say. Left court for the Maximum place. Kirikiri.
The Max, had its “visitors lounge” surrounded by a large pool of water. After my business there, got back to the Ikeja High Court. Wasted no less than 45 minutes due to traffic jam caused by a spread of potholes at the Berger curve that would cost less than fifty thousand naira to repair. Nobody, particularly the car dealers and operators who in their dozens do business in the area, appear to care a hoot about the potholes! Nigeria.
FRI. 3RD JULY 2009
Didn’t touch the courts today. Paid a visit to Daddy 3. The old guy, believe me is still working so h
ard. Dad is never ever going to retire from this job.LEFT: DADDY 3, G.O.K AJAYI SAN
Spent a good part of the afternoon with another silk. Had a nice time there too. Being a Squib editor is not all pains, I guess.
SAT. 4TH JULY 2009
Was at the Police College with six other colleagues for our Tiger Sportif club Saturday games and exercise. It’s always so good to “shake body” and sweat freely. Got myself a new handset (GSM) today. Please pray, lest I lose it. As usual.
Spent a good part of the afternoon with another silk. Had a nice time there too. Being a Squib editor is not all pains, I guess.
SAT. 4TH JULY 2009
Was at the Police College with six other colleagues for our Tiger Sportif club Saturday games and exercise. It’s always so good to “shake body” and sweat freely. Got myself a new handset (GSM) today. Please pray, lest I lose it. As usual.
EXERCISES: I'M IN GREEN, BACKING CAMERA.
Friday, August 21, 2009
3RD WEEK JUNE 2009 (15TH -20TH)
SQUIB DIARY
MONDAY 15TH JUNE 2009
The Squib’s out. The cover-FAKE LAWYER SURRENDERS TO NBA IKEJA. Had a trial before Dada J. Lots of hustle and bustle in the Ikeja H.C. Typical Monday morning. My car had an un-typical breakdown in-front of Citi-Point chambers, Alausa, Ikeja in the evening.
TUESDAY 16TH JUNE 2009
Car still under. My programmes generally disrupted. Losing the services of one’s “horse” even temporarily can be so stressful. Was at the Ikeja High Court
WEDNESDAY 17TH JUNE 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. Noticed that the sewage slab near Justice Alogba’s court entrance was leaking waste water again. Urgent repairs needed. Please.
THURSDAY 18TH JUNE 2009
Had a matter at the Ikeja High Court. Case couldn’t go on. Judge absent. According to the court registrars, the judge was away attending a seminar. However many counsel believed that the judge was away to 'upstairs.' Talking of Justice Olubunmi Oyewole here.
Came down to Lagos High Court for another case. But missed it. Car still under the weather.
FRIDAY 19TH JUNE 2009
Had a trial in Justice Mufutau Olokooba’s court. EFCC case. Later in the afternoon, had car, properly and fully repaired.
Who shall deliver us from all these half-baked trial and error motor-mechanics?
SATURDAY 20TH JUNE 2009
Only three Tigers turned up for our week-end sports activities. Well, “Nothing spoil.”
MONDAY 15TH JUNE 2009
The Squib’s out. The cover-FAKE LAWYER SURRENDERS TO NBA IKEJA. Had a trial before Dada J. Lots of hustle and bustle in the Ikeja H.C. Typical Monday morning. My car had an un-typical breakdown in-front of Citi-Point chambers, Alausa, Ikeja in the evening.
TUESDAY 16TH JUNE 2009
Car still under. My programmes generally disrupted. Losing the services of one’s “horse” even temporarily can be so stressful. Was at the Ikeja High Court
WEDNESDAY 17TH JUNE 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. Noticed that the sewage slab near Justice Alogba’s court entrance was leaking waste water again. Urgent repairs needed. Please.
THURSDAY 18TH JUNE 2009
Had a matter at the Ikeja High Court. Case couldn’t go on. Judge absent. According to the court registrars, the judge was away attending a seminar. However many counsel believed that the judge was away to 'upstairs.' Talking of Justice Olubunmi Oyewole here.
Came down to Lagos High Court for another case. But missed it. Car still under the weather.
FRIDAY 19TH JUNE 2009
Had a trial in Justice Mufutau Olokooba’s court. EFCC case. Later in the afternoon, had car, properly and fully repaired.
Who shall deliver us from all these half-baked trial and error motor-mechanics?
SATURDAY 20TH JUNE 2009
Only three Tigers turned up for our week-end sports activities. Well, “Nothing spoil.”
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
2ND WEEK JUNE 2009 (8TH-13TH)
SQUIB DIARY
MONDAY 8TH JUNE 2009
The Squib’s out. Cover story: - Adegboye Kolade- The Next Leader of the Premier Bar?
Had two EFCC matters in court this morning. No progress made in either. Whose fault? Prosecution’s! They were simply not ready – no witness to present to the honourable court. Saw some women in “Aso ebi” outfit near Justice Oyewole’s court. No need to tell the they (the women) were “the Georgitas” – female supporters of Olabode George, a PDP chieftain standing trial before Oyewole J for fraud. NBA Lagos branch held her monthly meeting today. At the foyer. Heard that the “masu-mato” Electoral Rules of the Obi Okwusogu Election Committee largely scaled through.
TUESDAY 9TH JUNE 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court today. For a ruling. When would the contractors handling the repairs of court rooms in the new complex finish their work? At least two of the court rooms on the ground floor their looked more like the workshop of “industrial carpenters” more than anything else these past two years.
WEDNESDAY 10TH JUNE 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. For an EFCC matter. It couldn’t go on. Due to prosecution’s unpreparedness. On my way to the bar centre (NBA Ikeja Secretariat) noticed that the “Evil Stream” at the entrance of Justice Kazeem Alogba had sprung up again.
THURSDAY 11TH JUNE 2009
Jade Gardens – “Chinese Restaurant” at the G.R.A Ikeja. Was there this morning, till say 12.00p.m. To attend this year’s Attorney-General’s Forum. The topic? Awaiting trial process. Quite an interesting meeting. Lots of the problems easily identified. A lot of solutions preferred. But when will the real action begin?
Heard late in the evening of the death of Mrs. Kemi Sanusi, the Senior Registrar in Justice Suyi Olateru-Olagbegi’s (of Lagos High Court). She was aged 46 years. What a level headed, polite and respectful woman. Heard she died of malaria typhoid, on Tuesday week, leaving behind three children. Her husband had earlier passed about a decade ago.
We here in the Squib really miss this nice lady. May her soul rest in peace.
FRIDAY 12TH JUNE 2009
Public holiday, June 12. The day the alleged fairest and freest presidential election ever was held in Nigeria. In 1993. Throwing up the late M.K.O Abiola as the winner of the election. Annulled in June 12 1993, unleashing a series of event that eventually led to the birth of the present 4th Republic.
With four other Tigers, left Lagos for Ipesi, Ondo state. For the burial of late Pa Bayode Oniyire, the father of Niyi Oniyire, an Ikeja Tiger. Got there at about 9.00pm when the wake-keeping for Pa Oniyire was rounding up. Bunkered down, after a nice dinner of amala and roasted goat-meat and soup, which cuisine, (particularly the meat) brought the biblical admonition
“obedience is better than sacrifice”
“And to hearken better than the fat of rams” sharply into my mind
SATURDAY 13TH JUNE 2009
Woke up early in the morning to notice that Ipesi is a small, very small, peaceful town in full rural setting. Through the windows of our room saw lush foliage, fauna, and mountains. Saw an Agbe bird and myriad of ijalo” ants spread on plants. Also saw “kuluso” holes on the grounds of the house reminding me of our child hood song. Kuluso Kuluso Abiyamo feyin so
Now fresh and clean the air smelt! How serene and peaceful the atmosphere! Saw also some free-ranging chickens, the very types nutritionists advise as best for table and suddenly wished for a feast of such a healthy delicacy.
Encouraged with such salubrious sights, walked with the leader of the pack of Tigers, a.k.a “the in-coming”, inside the portion of Ipesi bush near by and donated certain tired contents of our stomachs to mother earth. Oh, the lost freedom and pleasure of open air toilet!
After break-fasting on blocks of yam and tasty stew, we left for the burial service of Pa Oniyire. Before and after the service, the undertakers entertained the worshippers with their “casket-control” skills, dancing with the coffin. And it seemed the more the crisp naira notes that sailed in their direction, the mere dexterous, they became!
Took our leave at 11.00a.m but not before an insistent Mrs. Olumide Oniyire piled us with sundry spirits trapped in cans.
About four hours later, we landed in Ora-Igbomina, the city of Yinka Farounbi and the home of perpetual pounded yam. We came there to join in the burial ceremony of the family head of Yinka Farounbi Pa Samson Oyedepo Farounbi a.k.a “This palm-wine is watery” who died at the tender age of 101 years. We met some other Tigers in the town and as Tigers were immediately offered some flesh to devour. Pounded yam with fitting accompaniment followed shortly. With sundry spirits and less energetic and sweeter drinks, prompting a flow of theories, counter-theories and hipothesses.
Later in the evening, a short drive in the Tiger-Bus took us all to the home of a prominent. Oran, a former surveyor-general of Lagos State. There the theories continued to flow. I remembered at least one of them. It came from a Tiger known simply as “Obaaaaat!” who sagely declared.
“No man no matter the situation should allow his background to put his back on the ground”.
While this profound statement was still being appreciated one Tiger, a very good friend of Honourable Justice Ade Alabi, quickly asked “In that case, how would women get pregnant?”
Before turning to bed, we fell on a hearty dinner. Are you asking me what it was? Pounded yam, of course.
MONDAY 8TH JUNE 2009
The Squib’s out. Cover story: - Adegboye Kolade- The Next Leader of the Premier Bar?
Had two EFCC matters in court this morning. No progress made in either. Whose fault? Prosecution’s! They were simply not ready – no witness to present to the honourable court. Saw some women in “Aso ebi” outfit near Justice Oyewole’s court. No need to tell the they (the women) were “the Georgitas” – female supporters of Olabode George, a PDP chieftain standing trial before Oyewole J for fraud. NBA Lagos branch held her monthly meeting today. At the foyer. Heard that the “masu-mato” Electoral Rules of the Obi Okwusogu Election Committee largely scaled through.
TUESDAY 9TH JUNE 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court today. For a ruling. When would the contractors handling the repairs of court rooms in the new complex finish their work? At least two of the court rooms on the ground floor their looked more like the workshop of “industrial carpenters” more than anything else these past two years.
WEDNESDAY 10TH JUNE 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. For an EFCC matter. It couldn’t go on. Due to prosecution’s unpreparedness. On my way to the bar centre (NBA Ikeja Secretariat) noticed that the “Evil Stream” at the entrance of Justice Kazeem Alogba had sprung up again.
THURSDAY 11TH JUNE 2009
Jade Gardens – “Chinese Restaurant” at the G.R.A Ikeja. Was there this morning, till say 12.00p.m. To attend this year’s Attorney-General’s Forum. The topic? Awaiting trial process. Quite an interesting meeting. Lots of the problems easily identified. A lot of solutions preferred. But when will the real action begin?
Heard late in the evening of the death of Mrs. Kemi Sanusi, the Senior Registrar in Justice Suyi Olateru-Olagbegi’s (of Lagos High Court). She was aged 46 years. What a level headed, polite and respectful woman. Heard she died of malaria typhoid, on Tuesday week, leaving behind three children. Her husband had earlier passed about a decade ago.
We here in the Squib really miss this nice lady. May her soul rest in peace.
FRIDAY 12TH JUNE 2009
Public holiday, June 12. The day the alleged fairest and freest presidential election ever was held in Nigeria. In 1993. Throwing up the late M.K.O Abiola as the winner of the election. Annulled in June 12 1993, unleashing a series of event that eventually led to the birth of the present 4th Republic.
With four other Tigers, left Lagos for Ipesi, Ondo state. For the burial of late Pa Bayode Oniyire, the father of Niyi Oniyire, an Ikeja Tiger. Got there at about 9.00pm when the wake-keeping for Pa Oniyire was rounding up. Bunkered down, after a nice dinner of amala and roasted goat-meat and soup, which cuisine, (particularly the meat) brought the biblical admonition
“obedience is better than sacrifice”
“And to hearken better than the fat of rams” sharply into my mind
SATURDAY 13TH JUNE 2009
Woke up early in the morning to notice that Ipesi is a small, very small, peaceful town in full rural setting. Through the windows of our room saw lush foliage, fauna, and mountains. Saw an Agbe bird and myriad of ijalo” ants spread on plants. Also saw “kuluso” holes on the grounds of the house reminding me of our child hood song. Kuluso Kuluso Abiyamo feyin so
Now fresh and clean the air smelt! How serene and peaceful the atmosphere! Saw also some free-ranging chickens, the very types nutritionists advise as best for table and suddenly wished for a feast of such a healthy delicacy.
Encouraged with such salubrious sights, walked with the leader of the pack of Tigers, a.k.a “the in-coming”, inside the portion of Ipesi bush near by and donated certain tired contents of our stomachs to mother earth. Oh, the lost freedom and pleasure of open air toilet!
After break-fasting on blocks of yam and tasty stew, we left for the burial service of Pa Oniyire. Before and after the service, the undertakers entertained the worshippers with their “casket-control” skills, dancing with the coffin. And it seemed the more the crisp naira notes that sailed in their direction, the mere dexterous, they became!
Took our leave at 11.00a.m but not before an insistent Mrs. Olumide Oniyire piled us with sundry spirits trapped in cans.
About four hours later, we landed in Ora-Igbomina, the city of Yinka Farounbi and the home of perpetual pounded yam. We came there to join in the burial ceremony of the family head of Yinka Farounbi Pa Samson Oyedepo Farounbi a.k.a “This palm-wine is watery” who died at the tender age of 101 years. We met some other Tigers in the town and as Tigers were immediately offered some flesh to devour. Pounded yam with fitting accompaniment followed shortly. With sundry spirits and less energetic and sweeter drinks, prompting a flow of theories, counter-theories and hipothesses.
Later in the evening, a short drive in the Tiger-Bus took us all to the home of a prominent. Oran, a former surveyor-general of Lagos State. There the theories continued to flow. I remembered at least one of them. It came from a Tiger known simply as “Obaaaaat!” who sagely declared.
“No man no matter the situation should allow his background to put his back on the ground”.
While this profound statement was still being appreciated one Tiger, a very good friend of Honourable Justice Ade Alabi, quickly asked “In that case, how would women get pregnant?”
Before turning to bed, we fell on a hearty dinner. Are you asking me what it was? Pounded yam, of course.
Monday, August 10, 2009
1ST WEEK JUNE 2009(1ST-6TH)
SQUIB DIARY
MONDAY 1ST JUNE 2009
The Squib’s out but very late. Say 2.30pm. Cover Story:- C.J LAGOS VS ADESINA OGUNLANA: HOW THE ETERNAL TRIAL FAILS TO START AGAIN.
The monthly meeting of the Tiger Bar held today it was also the Annual General meeting (AGM) of the branch.
No less than three hundred and thirty three people turned up for the meeting and that is saying something.
TUESDAY 2ND JUNE 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. For a matter. Didn’t go on. Courtesy of judge’s directive. Hmmmmm. Met a ‘lawyer’, may be twelve or thirteen years old, a secondary school kid doing “chambers attachment”. The young lady wanted to be a top lawyer in future! Her name is Gboremi. I won’t tell the surname.
WEDNESDAY 3RD JUNE 2009
Came to the Ikeja High Court in the afternoon. Chambers concluded, for the first time since 2004 a matter at the pre-trial stage. The pre-trial judge was Oyefesobi J. little wonder!
THURDAY 4TH JUNE 2009
Spent only a few time in the Ikeja High Court premises today. Was I geckoing about in some other places?
FRIDAY 5TH JUNE 2009
Spent a few hours in the office this morning. Before moving on to the Maximum security Prison Kirikiri. To see one or two clients and to leave a letter for the Deputy Comptroller of the institution. Today, the remains of veteran Lagos land disputes lawyer, Chief Ishola Oyewo, was buried at Abeokuta Ogun State. Some members and leaders of the Ikeja branch attended the burial.
SATURDAY 6TH JUNE 2009
Only five Tigers turned up for the week-end sports programme of the Ikeja bar. Nonetheless all those who came had a wonderful time on the pitch.
MONDAY 1ST JUNE 2009
The Squib’s out but very late. Say 2.30pm. Cover Story:- C.J LAGOS VS ADESINA OGUNLANA: HOW THE ETERNAL TRIAL FAILS TO START AGAIN.
The monthly meeting of the Tiger Bar held today it was also the Annual General meeting (AGM) of the branch.
No less than three hundred and thirty three people turned up for the meeting and that is saying something.
TUESDAY 2ND JUNE 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. For a matter. Didn’t go on. Courtesy of judge’s directive. Hmmmmm. Met a ‘lawyer’, may be twelve or thirteen years old, a secondary school kid doing “chambers attachment”. The young lady wanted to be a top lawyer in future! Her name is Gboremi. I won’t tell the surname.
WEDNESDAY 3RD JUNE 2009
Came to the Ikeja High Court in the afternoon. Chambers concluded, for the first time since 2004 a matter at the pre-trial stage. The pre-trial judge was Oyefesobi J. little wonder!
THURDAY 4TH JUNE 2009
Spent only a few time in the Ikeja High Court premises today. Was I geckoing about in some other places?
FRIDAY 5TH JUNE 2009
Spent a few hours in the office this morning. Before moving on to the Maximum security Prison Kirikiri. To see one or two clients and to leave a letter for the Deputy Comptroller of the institution. Today, the remains of veteran Lagos land disputes lawyer, Chief Ishola Oyewo, was buried at Abeokuta Ogun State. Some members and leaders of the Ikeja branch attended the burial.
SATURDAY 6TH JUNE 2009
Only five Tigers turned up for the week-end sports programme of the Ikeja bar. Nonetheless all those who came had a wonderful time on the pitch.
4TH WEEK MAY 2009 (25TH-29TH)
MONDAY 25TH MAY 2009
The Squib’s out. Cover story-African Science arrests Criminal Trial. Spent practically all day with Daddy 3 planning for my trial tomorrow before the Disciplinary Committee of the Body of Benchers,
TUESDAY 26TH MAY 2009
Arrived Abuja this morning from Lagos. Proceeded to the Court of Appeal headquarters for the case Chief Judge of Lagos State vs Adesina Ogunlana. After the matter, had the opportunity of walking through some parts of the very big building. Noticed that the security guards manning the place were quite nice and helpful fellows.
WEDNESDAY 27TH MAY 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. Participated in the-marathon session of the Tiger Bar Executive Committee meeting. From there moved to the –Lagoon Restaurant, Victoria Island venue of the Law Week Dinner of the NBA Lagos.
Once arrived, settled myself in front of the Giant Screen there, to enjoy the Barcelonia F.C UEFA Cup final match against the totally out-classed Manchester United. ‘Barca’ won the match by 2-0
THURSDAY 28TH MAY 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court in the afternoon. Witnessed a prolonged row between two leaders of the Tiger Bar in their secretariat. Even now, the vitriols from both sides are still burning my ears. Haba! Igbo kwenu! Or do we say, Eyimba, Enyi!
FRIDAY 29TH MAY 2009
Today is Democracy day, public holiday. Ten years of democracy, what have we achieved today?
The Squib’s out. Cover story-African Science arrests Criminal Trial. Spent practically all day with Daddy 3 planning for my trial tomorrow before the Disciplinary Committee of the Body of Benchers,
TUESDAY 26TH MAY 2009
Arrived Abuja this morning from Lagos. Proceeded to the Court of Appeal headquarters for the case Chief Judge of Lagos State vs Adesina Ogunlana. After the matter, had the opportunity of walking through some parts of the very big building. Noticed that the security guards manning the place were quite nice and helpful fellows.
WEDNESDAY 27TH MAY 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. Participated in the-marathon session of the Tiger Bar Executive Committee meeting. From there moved to the –Lagoon Restaurant, Victoria Island venue of the Law Week Dinner of the NBA Lagos.
Once arrived, settled myself in front of the Giant Screen there, to enjoy the Barcelonia F.C UEFA Cup final match against the totally out-classed Manchester United. ‘Barca’ won the match by 2-0
THURSDAY 28TH MAY 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court in the afternoon. Witnessed a prolonged row between two leaders of the Tiger Bar in their secretariat. Even now, the vitriols from both sides are still burning my ears. Haba! Igbo kwenu! Or do we say, Eyimba, Enyi!
FRIDAY 29TH MAY 2009
Today is Democracy day, public holiday. Ten years of democracy, what have we achieved today?
Saturday, May 30, 2009
3RD WEEK MAY(18TH-23RD)
MON. 18TH MAY '09
The Squib, not out. Came to the Ikeja High Court.
Had a case at the Magistrate Court.
At about 1:p.m, in a "shift system" Magistrate Court.
TUE. 19TH MAY '09
The Squib's out. Cover Story: Will the NBA Break Up?http://www.squibcoverstory.blogspot.com
Arrived the Ikeja High Court for a meeting of the LOC.
WED. 20TH MAY '09
Was at the Ikeja High Court. For an
EFCC case. God bless hard working judges. Judges like,... I won't tell you her name. Judges who really earn their (fat) pay.
Was in court till almost 2:30 p.m. Judge was taking notes in long hand. And at the end of it all, still ordered for continuation of trial for the next day. Some other Judges that we know, would, without blinking an eye lid, adjourn the matter to 25th December 2009.
Earlier in the day dashed down to LASUTH. To see the doctor. Health, is wealth.
THUR. 21ST MAY '09
Was at the Ikeja High Court. For two cases. Noticed two things in the court.
(1) The magistrate court buildings in the second compound wee getting a fresh coat of paint.
(2) Lots if greenish white water streaming far and wide on the corridor of Hon. Justice Obadina's court, courtesy of 'discharges' from air conditioning engines in the court.
This "ain't" nice. Something should be done to change the situation.
FRI. 22ND MAY '09
Was at the Ikeja High Court.
My case could'nt go on. Prosecution not yet ready.
SAT. 23RD MAY '09
Only five tigers turned up for the weekend sports programme of the Tiger Bar. Nonetheless, the five who turned up enjoyed themselves thoroughly, jogging and playing soccer.
How did I know?
I was there.
The Squib, not out. Came to the Ikeja High Court.
Had a case at the Magistrate Court.
At about 1:p.m, in a "shift system" Magistrate Court.
TUE. 19TH MAY '09
The Squib's out. Cover Story: Will the NBA Break Up?http://www.squibcoverstory.blogspot.com
Arrived the Ikeja High Court for a meeting of the LOC.
WED. 20TH MAY '09
Was at the Ikeja High Court. For an
EFCC case. God bless hard working judges. Judges like,... I won't tell you her name. Judges who really earn their (fat) pay.
Was in court till almost 2:30 p.m. Judge was taking notes in long hand. And at the end of it all, still ordered for continuation of trial for the next day. Some other Judges that we know, would, without blinking an eye lid, adjourn the matter to 25th December 2009.
Earlier in the day dashed down to LASUTH. To see the doctor. Health, is wealth.
THUR. 21ST MAY '09
Was at the Ikeja High Court. For two cases. Noticed two things in the court.
(1) The magistrate court buildings in the second compound wee getting a fresh coat of paint.
(2) Lots if greenish white water streaming far and wide on the corridor of Hon. Justice Obadina's court, courtesy of 'discharges' from air conditioning engines in the court.
This "ain't" nice. Something should be done to change the situation.
FRI. 22ND MAY '09
Was at the Ikeja High Court.
My case could'nt go on. Prosecution not yet ready.
SAT. 23RD MAY '09
Only five tigers turned up for the weekend sports programme of the Tiger Bar. Nonetheless, the five who turned up enjoyed themselves thoroughly, jogging and playing soccer.
How did I know?
I was there.
2ND WEEK MAY (11TH-16TH)
SQUIB DIARY
MONDAY 11TH MAY 2009
The Squib’s out. Cover: - Terrible: Lawyer Dupes Octogenarian?http://www.squibcoverstory.blogspot.com Came to the Lagos High Court for a so-called Town Hall meeting of Judiciary Stake-holders. Billed to start by 9:00a.m, the programme was yet to start even at 10:45a.m. Left in disgust.
TUESDAY 12TH MAY 2009
At about 1.00p.m, left Lagos for Sokoto with about eight other Tigers, for the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the NBA. Our ‘horse’ was the branch bus. Some six and a half hours later, settled for the night at Mokwa, Niger State.
WEDNESDAY 13TH MAY 2009
The Excursion to Sokoto continued. Got occasional sights of exotic looking donkeys and camels, as well as ploughing oxen as we drove on. Of course it was banters moderated with dining, sleeping and wining all the way. But also some sad sights too - the hasty burial of an accident victim, the pathetic case of a donkey run over by a hit and run driver and the meritable(?) sights of alamajeris ( groups of young boys begging for food).
After ten hours on the road, we reached Sokoto eventually at about 5.00p.m. Unfortunately it was a very dry reception we got from the Local Organising Committee. Nobody was on hand to receive the ‘arrivees.’ The welcome cocktail and later party, all turned a sham.
Being wise Tigers, we sought the salvation of our bellies in one amala joint at the Mammy Market, Sokoto.
Trust somebody to know somebody who knows somebody else, through another somebody to know such a den, even at late hours of the day in a strange town.
THURSDAY 14TH MAY 2009
The day breaks so early in Sokoto. As early as 5.50a.m. Did some road work, causing stares from some passers-by.
The L.O.C provided quality but insufficient breakfast. The NEC meeting started to time. 9.00a.m.
About 21/2 hours later, the Governor of the State, Alhaji Wammako came in.
Made purse, and left the lawyers to themselves. In the afternoon, attended the NEC meeting. Trooped to the palace of the Sultan of Sokoto but the crowd was too much for the table of the Sultan who had been wrongly informed that only about a hundred lawyers would be visiting. Saw Alhaji Shehu Sagari, former president of Nigeria at the palace. He is a noble man, high chief of the Sultanate. How quiet, peaceful and dignified the old man looked. Even at 85, he sure looked graceful.
Though no less than two thirds of the crowd of lawyers had to get their lunch some where else, I got myself a seat in the dining hall of the Sultan’s palace. But the Sultan and the good old President Shagari
never knew a gecko was at table with them. The NEC meeting resumed at about 4.30p.m in the evening and lasted till about 7.30p.m. From there it was socials, and for some people, it was a T.D.B affair.
FRIDAY 15TH MAY 2009
Departed Sokoto at about 11.00a.m, for home. Earlier in the morning, in the face of officious and unreasonable behaviour of hotel staff, Tigers employed just one or two revolutionary tactics to retrieve a well deserved breakfast.
After about ten hours on the road the Tigers and their babies of the Ikorodu Bar landed in Abuja around 8.30.pm. While in Zaria some “disgruntled” Tigers insisted on having lunch at an eatery called “Shagalinku”. The place turned out to be nothing special but the Shagalinkuans – Adegbamigbe Omole and Isa Muhammed Buhari had their way.
Later on in the journey both were dragged to the community court of ‘Justice’ Adekunle Ojo, who after listening to arguments from the prosecutor, Yinka Farounbi, convicted the Shagalinkuans. But while Omole got a suspended sentence, Isa Buhari bore the full brunt of the law as he was summarily removed from his post as the Branch Secretary and demoted to the post of the Branch Bus Conductor. Isa gallantly and immediately reported at his duty post. However in an uncommon display of humaneness, Justice Ojo reprieved the obviously penitent Isa, about two hours later.
SATURDAY 16TH MAY 2009
We left Abuja 6.30a.m. Arrived Lagos 5.30p.m. Our ‘run away’ treasurer, the Glo-girl, Gloria Nweze had teamed up with us again, very early in Abuja. The journey to Sokoto ended the way it started - abundance of jokes, arguments, lots of snoozing etc.
Somewhere in Ekiti State, Aramoko precisely, the power to prophesy suddenly fell on the duo of Dave Ajetomobi, Ikeja branch chairman and Adesina Ogunlana, the Welfare Secretary. To the effect that, well, there is a restraining order from above against disclosing what was revealed to the men. But their power to prophesy suddenly disappeared in the face of hot, fine pounded yam and tasty vegetable soup and goat meat in the next town of Erio-Ekiti.
MONDAY 11TH MAY 2009
The Squib’s out. Cover: - Terrible: Lawyer Dupes Octogenarian?http://www.squibcoverstory.blogspot.com Came to the Lagos High Court for a so-called Town Hall meeting of Judiciary Stake-holders. Billed to start by 9:00a.m, the programme was yet to start even at 10:45a.m. Left in disgust.
TUESDAY 12TH MAY 2009
At about 1.00p.m, left Lagos for Sokoto with about eight other Tigers, for the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the NBA. Our ‘horse’ was the branch bus. Some six and a half hours later, settled for the night at Mokwa, Niger State.
WEDNESDAY 13TH MAY 2009
The Excursion to Sokoto continued. Got occasional sights of exotic looking donkeys and camels, as well as ploughing oxen as we drove on. Of course it was banters moderated with dining, sleeping and wining all the way. But also some sad sights too - the hasty burial of an accident victim, the pathetic case of a donkey run over by a hit and run driver and the meritable(?) sights of alamajeris ( groups of young boys begging for food).
After ten hours on the road, we reached Sokoto eventually at about 5.00p.m. Unfortunately it was a very dry reception we got from the Local Organising Committee. Nobody was on hand to receive the ‘arrivees.’ The welcome cocktail and later party, all turned a sham.
Being wise Tigers, we sought the salvation of our bellies in one amala joint at the Mammy Market, Sokoto.
Trust somebody to know somebody who knows somebody else, through another somebody to know such a den, even at late hours of the day in a strange town.
THURSDAY 14TH MAY 2009
The day breaks so early in Sokoto. As early as 5.50a.m. Did some road work, causing stares from some passers-by.
The L.O.C provided quality but insufficient breakfast. The NEC meeting started to time. 9.00a.m.
About 21/2 hours later, the Governor of the State, Alhaji Wammako came in.
Made purse, and left the lawyers to themselves. In the afternoon, attended the NEC meeting. Trooped to the palace of the Sultan of Sokoto but the crowd was too much for the table of the Sultan who had been wrongly informed that only about a hundred lawyers would be visiting. Saw Alhaji Shehu Sagari, former president of Nigeria at the palace. He is a noble man, high chief of the Sultanate. How quiet, peaceful and dignified the old man looked. Even at 85, he sure looked graceful.
Though no less than two thirds of the crowd of lawyers had to get their lunch some where else, I got myself a seat in the dining hall of the Sultan’s palace. But the Sultan and the good old President Shagari
never knew a gecko was at table with them. The NEC meeting resumed at about 4.30p.m in the evening and lasted till about 7.30p.m. From there it was socials, and for some people, it was a T.D.B affair.
FRIDAY 15TH MAY 2009
Departed Sokoto at about 11.00a.m, for home. Earlier in the morning, in the face of officious and unreasonable behaviour of hotel staff, Tigers employed just one or two revolutionary tactics to retrieve a well deserved breakfast.
After about ten hours on the road the Tigers and their babies of the Ikorodu Bar landed in Abuja around 8.30.pm. While in Zaria some “disgruntled” Tigers insisted on having lunch at an eatery called “Shagalinku”. The place turned out to be nothing special but the Shagalinkuans – Adegbamigbe Omole and Isa Muhammed Buhari had their way.
Later on in the journey both were dragged to the community court of ‘Justice’ Adekunle Ojo, who after listening to arguments from the prosecutor, Yinka Farounbi, convicted the Shagalinkuans. But while Omole got a suspended sentence, Isa Buhari bore the full brunt of the law as he was summarily removed from his post as the Branch Secretary and demoted to the post of the Branch Bus Conductor. Isa gallantly and immediately reported at his duty post. However in an uncommon display of humaneness, Justice Ojo reprieved the obviously penitent Isa, about two hours later.
SATURDAY 16TH MAY 2009
We left Abuja 6.30a.m. Arrived Lagos 5.30p.m. Our ‘run away’ treasurer, the Glo-girl, Gloria Nweze had teamed up with us again, very early in Abuja. The journey to Sokoto ended the way it started - abundance of jokes, arguments, lots of snoozing etc.
Somewhere in Ekiti State, Aramoko precisely, the power to prophesy suddenly fell on the duo of Dave Ajetomobi, Ikeja branch chairman and Adesina Ogunlana, the Welfare Secretary. To the effect that, well, there is a restraining order from above against disclosing what was revealed to the men. But their power to prophesy suddenly disappeared in the face of hot, fine pounded yam and tasty vegetable soup and goat meat in the next town of Erio-Ekiti.
1ST WEEK MAY(4TH-9TH)
SQUIB DIARY
MONDAY 4TH MAY 2009
The Squib’s out. Cover Story-Tigers Terrific Week. Was at the Ikeja High Court for a case. The case went on, even when power outage occurred.
Note, once there is power outage, some judges absolutely refuse to sit.
TUESDAY 5TH MAY 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. Witnessed an “exciting” cross-examination in an EFCC case which is now better known among some Law School students who witnessed the Trial as the Community Tension Case.
When a talkative story teller of a witness meets a foxy cross-examiner, you can only get a thriller!
WEDNESDAY 6TH MAY 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. Had three cases there, but none went on. In one of the cases the court was ready, the prosecutor’s witnesses were ready but the prosecutor himself was not ready. In another the court was ready but both the prosecutor and the witness were not ready. In the last case, the court was ready, parties were ready yet the matter did not go on. Why? When the matter was called counsel to the defendants and defendant’s witnesses were planning strategies outside the court room.!
THURSDAY 7TH MAY 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. Of my three cases, only one went on-the most important. People of Lagos State vs Sikiru Aina.
An important case, I tell you. Bail of the defendant, previously revoked, restored.
FRIDAY 8TH OF MAY 2009
Spent the better part of the morning and afternoon at Magistrate court 3, Ikeja. With four other Tiger Bar leaders-Ajetomobi(chairman) Buhari (Secretary) Nweze (Treasurer) and Adegbite (Assistant Secretary) attended the moot and mock trial organised by the Law School Students attached to the court.
The chief host(ess) was the presiding magistrate Mrs. J.O.E Akhanamoya. After the M&M, a few talks were given by NBA Ikeja leaders on (a) Honour, Integrity and Diligence at the Bar (b) Cross-Examination. Nice Lunch followed and better believe this, a dance. I with my “korokoro” eyes, saw a magistrate “shake body”.
Good fun, good education, good interaction for the students. The students received gifts from the magistrate, who they in turn surprised by their own gifts. They gave gifts also to the Bar leaders.
Great afternoon, I tell you.
SATURDAY 9TH OF MAY 2009
Water melon and Pineapple. That’s what Tigers Sportif club members had, after their hectic exercises and soccer game this morning. Terrible Terry (the 2nd Vice-chairman) was the most soaked-up of the Tigers. Must have run more than 5 kilometers in a secret location on the Police College grounds. Ogunlana (welfare Secretary) came on the pitch in shorts probably taken off an Ibadan masquerade or wizard.
Again J.B (Gloria Nweze, the treasurer) turned the mother of the Squad, feeding them water-melon, pineapples and cakes after the pitch ‘hassles’.
Dear Tigers and Tigresses, when will you join us? Come, come catch fun. Yo.
MONDAY 4TH MAY 2009
The Squib’s out. Cover Story-Tigers Terrific Week. Was at the Ikeja High Court for a case. The case went on, even when power outage occurred.
Note, once there is power outage, some judges absolutely refuse to sit.
TUESDAY 5TH MAY 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. Witnessed an “exciting” cross-examination in an EFCC case which is now better known among some Law School students who witnessed the Trial as the Community Tension Case.
When a talkative story teller of a witness meets a foxy cross-examiner, you can only get a thriller!
WEDNESDAY 6TH MAY 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. Had three cases there, but none went on. In one of the cases the court was ready, the prosecutor’s witnesses were ready but the prosecutor himself was not ready. In another the court was ready but both the prosecutor and the witness were not ready. In the last case, the court was ready, parties were ready yet the matter did not go on. Why? When the matter was called counsel to the defendants and defendant’s witnesses were planning strategies outside the court room.!
THURSDAY 7TH MAY 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. Of my three cases, only one went on-the most important. People of Lagos State vs Sikiru Aina.
An important case, I tell you. Bail of the defendant, previously revoked, restored.
FRIDAY 8TH OF MAY 2009
Spent the better part of the morning and afternoon at Magistrate court 3, Ikeja. With four other Tiger Bar leaders-Ajetomobi(chairman) Buhari (Secretary) Nweze (Treasurer) and Adegbite (Assistant Secretary) attended the moot and mock trial organised by the Law School Students attached to the court.
The chief host(ess) was the presiding magistrate Mrs. J.O.E Akhanamoya. After the M&M, a few talks were given by NBA Ikeja leaders on (a) Honour, Integrity and Diligence at the Bar (b) Cross-Examination. Nice Lunch followed and better believe this, a dance. I with my “korokoro” eyes, saw a magistrate “shake body”.
Good fun, good education, good interaction for the students. The students received gifts from the magistrate, who they in turn surprised by their own gifts. They gave gifts also to the Bar leaders.
Great afternoon, I tell you.
SATURDAY 9TH OF MAY 2009
Water melon and Pineapple. That’s what Tigers Sportif club members had, after their hectic exercises and soccer game this morning. Terrible Terry (the 2nd Vice-chairman) was the most soaked-up of the Tigers. Must have run more than 5 kilometers in a secret location on the Police College grounds. Ogunlana (welfare Secretary) came on the pitch in shorts probably taken off an Ibadan masquerade or wizard.
Again J.B (Gloria Nweze, the treasurer) turned the mother of the Squad, feeding them water-melon, pineapples and cakes after the pitch ‘hassles’.
Dear Tigers and Tigresses, when will you join us? Come, come catch fun. Yo.
4TH WEEK APRIL-1ST WEEK MAY(27TH-1ST MAY)
SQUIB DIARY
MONDAY 27TH APRIL 2009
The Squib’s out. Cover – Where is Joe Igunbor Esq? In the morning was at the Lagos High Court, Tafawa Balewa Square. For two matters. Moved to the Lagos High Court, Igbosere for a brief visit. Then on to Gecko base – Ikeja High Court. Tigers Law Week Programme commenced today. With a press conference.
TUESDAY 28TH APRIL 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. Early in the morning, Tigers (NBA Ikeja members) had taken off to the Ikoyi Prisons for a Humanitarian Visit). In line with tradition, the Chief Judge of the State, Adetula Alabi, was also on the visit. At the end of the exercise, sixteen prisoners were set free by his Lordship.
WEDNESDAY 29TH APRIL 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. My matters (two) could not go on. Judges absent. Quite a few judges are absent from normal duty this week – away on one training course or the other.
Joined other Tigers at the Alade Market, Ikeja for the Annual Law Clinic, a one-day pro-people and free legal counseling services of the Ikeja bar. However not many of the traders, took advantage of the free offer.
In the evening, the Tigers had a wonderful time at the Martinos, CBD Alausa Ikeja, during their 3 hour Variety Night. Super entertainment, I tell you.
THURSDAY 30TH APRIL 2009
The Law Week Programme of the Tigers’ continued. Today, it was a lecture, delivered at the Martinos by Professor Yemi Osinbajo SAN, former A.G Lagos State. The lecturer spoke on The Imperative of Electoral Reforms In Nigeria. Good lecture but only about 120 Tigers turned up.
FRIDAY 1ST OF MAY 2009
Labour Day. But ‘Tigers’ Week continued. In the afternoon, Tigers Sportif Football Club met the Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Youth Team. The TSFC got a 3-0 drubbing.
Tigers later left for dinner at the Sheraton, Ikeja. And, had a wonderful time with the Governor of the State, Babatunde Raji Fashola S.A.N.
MONDAY 27TH APRIL 2009
The Squib’s out. Cover – Where is Joe Igunbor Esq? In the morning was at the Lagos High Court, Tafawa Balewa Square. For two matters. Moved to the Lagos High Court, Igbosere for a brief visit. Then on to Gecko base – Ikeja High Court. Tigers Law Week Programme commenced today. With a press conference.
TUESDAY 28TH APRIL 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. Early in the morning, Tigers (NBA Ikeja members) had taken off to the Ikoyi Prisons for a Humanitarian Visit). In line with tradition, the Chief Judge of the State, Adetula Alabi, was also on the visit. At the end of the exercise, sixteen prisoners were set free by his Lordship.
WEDNESDAY 29TH APRIL 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. My matters (two) could not go on. Judges absent. Quite a few judges are absent from normal duty this week – away on one training course or the other.
Joined other Tigers at the Alade Market, Ikeja for the Annual Law Clinic, a one-day pro-people and free legal counseling services of the Ikeja bar. However not many of the traders, took advantage of the free offer.
In the evening, the Tigers had a wonderful time at the Martinos, CBD Alausa Ikeja, during their 3 hour Variety Night. Super entertainment, I tell you.
THURSDAY 30TH APRIL 2009
The Law Week Programme of the Tigers’ continued. Today, it was a lecture, delivered at the Martinos by Professor Yemi Osinbajo SAN, former A.G Lagos State. The lecturer spoke on The Imperative of Electoral Reforms In Nigeria. Good lecture but only about 120 Tigers turned up.
FRIDAY 1ST OF MAY 2009
Labour Day. But ‘Tigers’ Week continued. In the afternoon, Tigers Sportif Football Club met the Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Youth Team. The TSFC got a 3-0 drubbing.
Tigers later left for dinner at the Sheraton, Ikeja. And, had a wonderful time with the Governor of the State, Babatunde Raji Fashola S.A.N.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
4TH WEEK APRIL 09 (20TH - 25TH)
SQUIB DIARY
MONDAY 20TH APRIL 2009
The Squib’s out. The cover story:- JIBOLA ARIBISALA SAN: THE IROKO TREE LIZARD SILK? Attended to one case before a magistrate court. For some time now, three or even four magistrates sit “turn by turn” in that court. Thus we now have
“Early morning court
Late morning court
Afternoon court
Late afternoon court”.
God have mercy!
TUESDAY 21ST APRIL 2009
Was at the Ikeja High court for a case. Matter could not go on due to power failure. The generator ‘on duty’ allegedly caught fire. Saw so many law school students on court attachment programme. Many of them looked quite young. Or could it be that I am the aging one?
WEDNESDAY 22ND APRIL 2009
Spent some time at the Ikeja High Court before moving to Chief Gani Fawehinmi Chambers to mark Gani 71st Birthday at his Anthony Village Chambers, Lagos.
About a hundred and fifty people turned up for the event, including Muhammed Lawal Uwais, former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Olabode Rhodes-Vivour of the Court of Appeal, Ambassador Olusola, Dr. Fredrick Fasheun (OPC), Gani Adams (OPC), Adekunle Ojo 2nd Vice-President Nigerian Bar Association etc.
Two books on Gani were “presented” to the public. Some good money realised, shouldn’t be less than four million naira.
THURSDAY 23RD APRIL 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. For two cases only one went on.
FRIDAY 24TH APRIL 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. In the morning. Saw a judge ‘lecturing’ his rather large crowd of “interns”. After some time drove down to the Lagos High Court Igbosere and TBS courts. By the way why do security personnel in the Igbosere court greet on so expansively? Surely not out of love.
SATURDAY 25TH APRIL 2009
Even though many leaders of the NBA Ikeja branch were not in town, the Tiger Bar weekend sports programme still held. At the police college, grounds as usual.
In preparation for next week’s soccer ‘duel’ with the Archbishop Vinning Memorial Cathedral Church Youths Clubs, the Tigers’ Sportif trained at some soccer skills-shooting, passing, penalty kicks etc.
The refreshment at the end of the training was simple but delicious:- water melon, dough-nuts and Glucose D powder etc.
Won’t you rather be a Tiger? An active one for that matter.
MONDAY 20TH APRIL 2009
The Squib’s out. The cover story:- JIBOLA ARIBISALA SAN: THE IROKO TREE LIZARD SILK? Attended to one case before a magistrate court. For some time now, three or even four magistrates sit “turn by turn” in that court. Thus we now have
“Early morning court
Late morning court
Afternoon court
Late afternoon court”.
God have mercy!
TUESDAY 21ST APRIL 2009
Was at the Ikeja High court for a case. Matter could not go on due to power failure. The generator ‘on duty’ allegedly caught fire. Saw so many law school students on court attachment programme. Many of them looked quite young. Or could it be that I am the aging one?
WEDNESDAY 22ND APRIL 2009
Spent some time at the Ikeja High Court before moving to Chief Gani Fawehinmi Chambers to mark Gani 71st Birthday at his Anthony Village Chambers, Lagos.
About a hundred and fifty people turned up for the event, including Muhammed Lawal Uwais, former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Olabode Rhodes-Vivour of the Court of Appeal, Ambassador Olusola, Dr. Fredrick Fasheun (OPC), Gani Adams (OPC), Adekunle Ojo 2nd Vice-President Nigerian Bar Association etc.
Two books on Gani were “presented” to the public. Some good money realised, shouldn’t be less than four million naira.
THURSDAY 23RD APRIL 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. For two cases only one went on.
FRIDAY 24TH APRIL 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. In the morning. Saw a judge ‘lecturing’ his rather large crowd of “interns”. After some time drove down to the Lagos High Court Igbosere and TBS courts. By the way why do security personnel in the Igbosere court greet on so expansively? Surely not out of love.
SATURDAY 25TH APRIL 2009
Even though many leaders of the NBA Ikeja branch were not in town, the Tiger Bar weekend sports programme still held. At the police college, grounds as usual.
In preparation for next week’s soccer ‘duel’ with the Archbishop Vinning Memorial Cathedral Church Youths Clubs, the Tigers’ Sportif trained at some soccer skills-shooting, passing, penalty kicks etc.
The refreshment at the end of the training was simple but delicious:- water melon, dough-nuts and Glucose D powder etc.
Won’t you rather be a Tiger? An active one for that matter.
3RD WEEK APRIL 09 (13TH - 18TH)
SQUIB DIARY
MONDAY 13TH APRIL 2009
Easter. Public holiday. The Lord is risen. But many chicken died for the celebration, today. No Squib
for this week.
TUESDAY 14TH APRIL 2009
In the morning, went to see Daddy. Daddy 3. Still a dashing Ol’boy. From there got to the Lagos High Court. the place looked ‘dry’, even the canteen was not opened for business. Left for Ikeja High Court, which did not look so dry like the LHC.
WEDNESDAY 15TH APRIL 2009
Got to the always crowded Tapa Magistrate Court, Lagos Island where the temples of Justice are nothing more than “containers”.
From Tapa, “landed” on the Medium Security Prison KiriKiri and her “Maximum” sibling. To see some clients.
At the Maximum Security Prison, while waiting to be cleared, witnessed an Alsatian dog which broke loose from the nearby “Naval Town”. The excited dog promptly harassed a group of goats it saw, raising quite a stir in the otherwise calm and quiet neighbourhood.
Couldn’t but help notice that officials of the KiriKiri Prisons were generally polite and easy to get along with. Much nicer than policemen, sure.
Moved from the Prisons to the Ikeja High Court, specifically the Bar Centre:- to attend a meeting of the Tiger Branch Exco.
THURSDAY 16TH APRIL 2009
Came late to the Ikeja High Court. Spent sometime at the Bar Centre.
FRIDAY 17TH APRIL 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. late in the afternoon. Settled down to fratenise with some fellow Tigers, at the Bar Centre.
SATURDAY 18TH APRIL 2009
NBA Ikeja’s weekend sports/fitness programme. Still very much on. About a dozen tigers, including yours truly, assembled at the playing field of the Police College, Ikeja. The hard but interesting five a-side soccer game ended a goal-less draw.
The Tigers Sportif Club’s new secretary, a lady canvassed for the ‘doing’ of other sports like volley ball, basket ball in addition to soccer in our Saturday meets. The suggestion sailed through!
MONDAY 13TH APRIL 2009
Easter. Public holiday. The Lord is risen. But many chicken died for the celebration, today. No Squib
for this week.
TUESDAY 14TH APRIL 2009
In the morning, went to see Daddy. Daddy 3. Still a dashing Ol’boy. From there got to the Lagos High Court. the place looked ‘dry’, even the canteen was not opened for business. Left for Ikeja High Court, which did not look so dry like the LHC.
WEDNESDAY 15TH APRIL 2009
Got to the always crowded Tapa Magistrate Court, Lagos Island where the temples of Justice are nothing more than “containers”.
From Tapa, “landed” on the Medium Security Prison KiriKiri and her “Maximum” sibling. To see some clients.
At the Maximum Security Prison, while waiting to be cleared, witnessed an Alsatian dog which broke loose from the nearby “Naval Town”. The excited dog promptly harassed a group of goats it saw, raising quite a stir in the otherwise calm and quiet neighbourhood.
Couldn’t but help notice that officials of the KiriKiri Prisons were generally polite and easy to get along with. Much nicer than policemen, sure.
Moved from the Prisons to the Ikeja High Court, specifically the Bar Centre:- to attend a meeting of the Tiger Branch Exco.
THURSDAY 16TH APRIL 2009
Came late to the Ikeja High Court. Spent sometime at the Bar Centre.
FRIDAY 17TH APRIL 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. late in the afternoon. Settled down to fratenise with some fellow Tigers, at the Bar Centre.
SATURDAY 18TH APRIL 2009
NBA Ikeja’s weekend sports/fitness programme. Still very much on. About a dozen tigers, including yours truly, assembled at the playing field of the Police College, Ikeja. The hard but interesting five a-side soccer game ended a goal-less draw.
The Tigers Sportif Club’s new secretary, a lady canvassed for the ‘doing’ of other sports like volley ball, basket ball in addition to soccer in our Saturday meets. The suggestion sailed through!
Monday, April 6, 2009
1ST WEEK APRIL 09 (30TH MARCH - 3RD APRIL)
SQUIB DIARY
MONDAY 30TH MARCH 2009
The Squib's out Cover story-Do judges really need police orderlies? A typical Monday morning in the courts-The court premises was jam-packed with lawyers. Litigants, workers and their auto mobiles.
Was at the Bar Centre, late morning. Watched at the bar centre the televised judgement of the Court of Appeal on the Olagunsoye Oyinlola vs Rauf Aregbesola gubernatorial election dispute in Osun state. At the end of the comprehensive judgement, the order was basically that the matter should go down to the lower tribunal for a re-trial. Re-trial after nearly 2 years in court!
Had a family function in Akoka, Lagos today-the Golden wedding Anniversary of my parents-in-law. Imagine a gecko having a wife! Saw no less than seven professors at the event, including Squib professor of law-Ademola Adewale Esq. Some Tiger chiefs, including the chairman-Dave Ajetomobi Esq were also there.
Pastor Yemi Osinbajo S.A.N gave the exhortation. Though the pastor professor, sorry the professor pastor, did not eat, he shuffled some dance steps. Lovely evening, if you ask me. [Click red link to access anniversary pix]: http://www.mumdadadetoro50.blogspot.com
TUESDAY 31ST MARCH 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court today. Had two cases in Ikeja. The third one was at Sabo, Yaba before Senior Magistrate Adelaja (Mrs) for the trial of Mr. Shamisdeen Awere the alleged fake lawyer, while I tried coping with the Ikeja cases, a counsel went for the Yaba matter.
Had the privilege of meeting a judge in his chamber, with two other colleagues in the same matter. The obviously over-worked judge explained why he had to adjourn hearing in our case despite the fact that the witness came outside jurisdiction to testify.
WEDNESDAY 1ST APRIL 2009
Was at the Maximum (the security prisons) kirikiri, Lagos. Mildly interesting sight at the reception. As usual, an official letter writer existed-writing short applications for visiting inmates for a fee. Never for free!
THURSDAY 2ND APRIL 2009
Will somebody remind me- what happened today?
FRIDAY 3RD APRIL 2009
Was at the Governor's office:- The New Round House, behind and besides the House of Assembly at Alausa. Very nice place, piece, I say. Purpose of visit - joint meeting of the NBA 2009 conference planning committee, local organizing committee and the Lagos state government committee on the conference. More meetings on the way!
MONDAY 30TH MARCH 2009
The Squib's out Cover story-Do judges really need police orderlies? A typical Monday morning in the courts-The court premises was jam-packed with lawyers. Litigants, workers and their auto mobiles.
Was at the Bar Centre, late morning. Watched at the bar centre the televised judgement of the Court of Appeal on the Olagunsoye Oyinlola vs Rauf Aregbesola gubernatorial election dispute in Osun state. At the end of the comprehensive judgement, the order was basically that the matter should go down to the lower tribunal for a re-trial. Re-trial after nearly 2 years in court!
Had a family function in Akoka, Lagos today-the Golden wedding Anniversary of my parents-in-law. Imagine a gecko having a wife! Saw no less than seven professors at the event, including Squib professor of law-Ademola Adewale Esq. Some Tiger chiefs, including the chairman-Dave Ajetomobi Esq were also there.
Pastor Yemi Osinbajo S.A.N gave the exhortation. Though the pastor professor, sorry the professor pastor, did not eat, he shuffled some dance steps. Lovely evening, if you ask me. [Click red link to access anniversary pix]: http://www.mumdadadetoro50.blogspot.com
TUESDAY 31ST MARCH 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court today. Had two cases in Ikeja. The third one was at Sabo, Yaba before Senior Magistrate Adelaja (Mrs) for the trial of Mr. Shamisdeen Awere the alleged fake lawyer, while I tried coping with the Ikeja cases, a counsel went for the Yaba matter.
Had the privilege of meeting a judge in his chamber, with two other colleagues in the same matter. The obviously over-worked judge explained why he had to adjourn hearing in our case despite the fact that the witness came outside jurisdiction to testify.
WEDNESDAY 1ST APRIL 2009
Was at the Maximum (the security prisons) kirikiri, Lagos. Mildly interesting sight at the reception. As usual, an official letter writer existed-writing short applications for visiting inmates for a fee. Never for free!
THURSDAY 2ND APRIL 2009
Will somebody remind me- what happened today?
FRIDAY 3RD APRIL 2009
Was at the Governor's office:- The New Round House, behind and besides the House of Assembly at Alausa. Very nice place, piece, I say. Purpose of visit - joint meeting of the NBA 2009 conference planning committee, local organizing committee and the Lagos state government committee on the conference. More meetings on the way!
4TH WEEK MARCH 09 (23RD - 27TH)
MONDAY 23RD MARCH 2009
The Squib’s out. Cover story -: Popular Lagos Judge Akande J in Motor Accident Tragedy. Heard it was selling like fairly hot cake. Attended the 2nd meeting of the Local organizing Committee of the NBA for the 2009 Conference. The meeting held in the LOC Secretariat, the Bar Centre of the NBA Ikeja branch.
TUESDAY 24TH MARCH 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. Witnessed an interesting case. A criminal case. Where the bail of a defendant was cut and the man sent to prison after disagreed with the presiding judge over interpretation of Section 273 (2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law 2007. While the judge said the law did not make the reading of final written addresses in open court mandatory, counsel maintained otherwise. Judge offered that counsel should take his address (No Case Submission) as read and had court’s permission to speak or comment on it. When counsel demurred on that offer, court ruled that counsel’s refusal to take the court’s offer is an abuse of judicial proceeding show that the defence “might have something up their sleeves” and promptly cut the defendant’s bail and adjourned the matter. I was there when the man was taken away to prison with his wives and children weeping bitterly.
WEDNESDAY 25TH MARCH 2009
Was at the Lagos High Court, this morning. For two cases. Got two fellows off the look. Gays had been on trial for sic years for armed robbery. Prosecution all the while had called just one witness who never came back for continuation of examination in chief. Later left for the Ikeja High Court. couldn’t leave the Ikeja Court until 4.00p.m. Saw a good cross-examiner in action, in the Ikeja High Court. fairly unusual state counsel, by name “your time will come”
THURSDAY 26TH MARCH 2009
Was at the Lagos High Court Igbosere. For a case. left the Island in good time as the mater (a murder) case could not go on. Sorted out one or two things in court before leaving for the Mainland.
FRIDAY 27TH MARCH 2009
Was kept very busy, in the chambers this morning overcoming the conspiracy mounted against the chambers, by revolting generating sets and crafting a petition against the interesting honourable judge. Got to the Ikeja High Court, very late in the afternoon. Saw a few Tigers in their Secretariat, the Bar Centre of the Ikeja High Court. After some Tiger talk, we all left the ‘lair. Couldn’t but help notice that the building next door (that of the Lagos State Judicial Service Commission) is very near completion. Really hope the building of our new Secretariat, will follow suit, very soon.
Interesting, I say, interesting. The exit of Honourable Justice Alaba Marsh from the Lagos State Judiciary. The exit was anything but ‘regular’ in that it was not marked with the usual ceremony of a valedictory session which traditionally holds at the Foyer of the Lagos State High Court. Geckos told the Squib that a quiet exit was preferred by the honourable judge who approached the Chief Judge for the “monetization” of his valedictory service, which is to say budget for his valedictory service be remitted to him instead. According to the honourable judge valedictory service or no, when I leave the judiciary people will forget about me. It is when you are in power or positions that people remember you.”
The Chief Judge, we learnt met Alaba J mid-way. Although no valedictory service was held for Alaba J as requested the judge was not allowed to go “quietly, completely into the dark.”
A “fare well ceremony” was instead, organized for him. Only the 12 most Senior Judges from Akande J to Oyekan-Abdullai J were invited to the ceremony. The venue was the Judge’s Conference Room, Ikeja High Court.
The Squib’s out. Cover story -: Popular Lagos Judge Akande J in Motor Accident Tragedy. Heard it was selling like fairly hot cake. Attended the 2nd meeting of the Local organizing Committee of the NBA for the 2009 Conference. The meeting held in the LOC Secretariat, the Bar Centre of the NBA Ikeja branch.
TUESDAY 24TH MARCH 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. Witnessed an interesting case. A criminal case. Where the bail of a defendant was cut and the man sent to prison after disagreed with the presiding judge over interpretation of Section 273 (2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law 2007. While the judge said the law did not make the reading of final written addresses in open court mandatory, counsel maintained otherwise. Judge offered that counsel should take his address (No Case Submission) as read and had court’s permission to speak or comment on it. When counsel demurred on that offer, court ruled that counsel’s refusal to take the court’s offer is an abuse of judicial proceeding show that the defence “might have something up their sleeves” and promptly cut the defendant’s bail and adjourned the matter. I was there when the man was taken away to prison with his wives and children weeping bitterly.
WEDNESDAY 25TH MARCH 2009
Was at the Lagos High Court, this morning. For two cases. Got two fellows off the look. Gays had been on trial for sic years for armed robbery. Prosecution all the while had called just one witness who never came back for continuation of examination in chief. Later left for the Ikeja High Court. couldn’t leave the Ikeja Court until 4.00p.m. Saw a good cross-examiner in action, in the Ikeja High Court. fairly unusual state counsel, by name “your time will come”
THURSDAY 26TH MARCH 2009
Was at the Lagos High Court Igbosere. For a case. left the Island in good time as the mater (a murder) case could not go on. Sorted out one or two things in court before leaving for the Mainland.
FRIDAY 27TH MARCH 2009
Was kept very busy, in the chambers this morning overcoming the conspiracy mounted against the chambers, by revolting generating sets and crafting a petition against the interesting honourable judge. Got to the Ikeja High Court, very late in the afternoon. Saw a few Tigers in their Secretariat, the Bar Centre of the Ikeja High Court. After some Tiger talk, we all left the ‘lair. Couldn’t but help notice that the building next door (that of the Lagos State Judicial Service Commission) is very near completion. Really hope the building of our new Secretariat, will follow suit, very soon.
Interesting, I say, interesting. The exit of Honourable Justice Alaba Marsh from the Lagos State Judiciary. The exit was anything but ‘regular’ in that it was not marked with the usual ceremony of a valedictory session which traditionally holds at the Foyer of the Lagos State High Court. Geckos told the Squib that a quiet exit was preferred by the honourable judge who approached the Chief Judge for the “monetization” of his valedictory service, which is to say budget for his valedictory service be remitted to him instead. According to the honourable judge valedictory service or no, when I leave the judiciary people will forget about me. It is when you are in power or positions that people remember you.”
The Chief Judge, we learnt met Alaba J mid-way. Although no valedictory service was held for Alaba J as requested the judge was not allowed to go “quietly, completely into the dark.”
A “fare well ceremony” was instead, organized for him. Only the 12 most Senior Judges from Akande J to Oyekan-Abdullai J were invited to the ceremony. The venue was the Judge’s Conference Room, Ikeja High Court.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
2ND WEEK MARCH (9TH -13TH MARCH 09)
MON 9TH MARCH 09
Public Holiday.
TUE 10TH MARCH 09
WED. 11H MARCH 09
THUR. 12TH MARCH 09
FRI 13TH MARCH 09
SAT 14TH MARCH 09
Public Holiday.
TUE 10TH MARCH 09
WED. 11H MARCH 09
THUR. 12TH MARCH 09
FRI 13TH MARCH 09
SAT 14TH MARCH 09
1ST WEEK MARCH 09 (2ND -6TH)
SQUIB DIARY
MONDAY 2ND MARCH 2009
The Squib is out. Cover story – Why Lagos Governor went C.J out. Attended the NBA Ikeja branch monthly meeting. As usual over two hundred lawyers turned up for the meeting. Lively meeting, no unpleasant or dull moment.
Under AOB, talk of sexual harassment of young female lawyers looking for work, came up. At the end of the day, the Tigers set up a Committee on sexual harassment. Are you a Tiger? Have you been sexually harassed by any other lawyer? Please come to the bar centre and lay your complaints.
TUESDAY 3RD MARCH 2009
Was at Ikeja High Court. The “Evil Stream” at the entrance of Justice Kazeem’s Alogba Court still very much alive and flourishing. I complained about this “cholera inviting and dysentery breeding stream at the Tiger’s meeting yesterday. When will this eye-sore be stopped?
WEDNESDAY 4TH MARCH 2009
Got to the Ikeja High Court, only in the afternoon. Took the Raji Fashola corridor (the “new improved” Muslim-Oshodi-Agege motor way) instead of the usual Ikorodu Road from my Palmgrove office to the Ikeja High Court. The corridor, a great demography victory over the nuisance and impediments that had choked the motor way, was shorter and freer than the Ikorodu Road. Noticed that LASTMA has now honed its predatory instincts-parked vehicles are now being towed away, even when they constitute no obstruction or nuisance and are not even parked on the road.
According to some LASTMA personnel I encountered, the set-back of my office building according to them is the walk-way to the road running along the office. “You can’t park on walk-ways” declared the partially power-drunk LASTMA men.
Query:
1. What is a walk-way?”
2. What are the parks constituted by government for people to park the vehicles?
3. Why is the average Nigerian law enforcement agent aggressive, imperial unreasonable and cocky?
THURSDAY 5TH MARCH 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. Had a long, long day in Justice Oyewole’s Court. The premises of that particular court, in the morning could easily be mistaken for the site of a massive “Owanbe” party in progress. This, courtesy of an army of gaily dressed women and some men who had stormed the court to “solidarise” with one Chief Olabode George, a Vice-Chairman of the People Democratic Party (PDP) standing trial for financial corruption before the Oyewole court. A not-so-funny, nauseating sight, they were. Saw staffers evacuating from the Records and Registry of the Ikeja Magistrate Court. The place would soon be pulled down so said the judiciary workers. Hope a phoenix will emerge from the ruins.
MONDAY 2ND MARCH 2009
The Squib is out. Cover story – Why Lagos Governor went C.J out. Attended the NBA Ikeja branch monthly meeting. As usual over two hundred lawyers turned up for the meeting. Lively meeting, no unpleasant or dull moment.
Under AOB, talk of sexual harassment of young female lawyers looking for work, came up. At the end of the day, the Tigers set up a Committee on sexual harassment. Are you a Tiger? Have you been sexually harassed by any other lawyer? Please come to the bar centre and lay your complaints.
TUESDAY 3RD MARCH 2009
Was at Ikeja High Court. The “Evil Stream” at the entrance of Justice Kazeem’s Alogba Court still very much alive and flourishing. I complained about this “cholera inviting and dysentery breeding stream at the Tiger’s meeting yesterday. When will this eye-sore be stopped?
WEDNESDAY 4TH MARCH 2009
Got to the Ikeja High Court, only in the afternoon. Took the Raji Fashola corridor (the “new improved” Muslim-Oshodi-Agege motor way) instead of the usual Ikorodu Road from my Palmgrove office to the Ikeja High Court. The corridor, a great demography victory over the nuisance and impediments that had choked the motor way, was shorter and freer than the Ikorodu Road. Noticed that LASTMA has now honed its predatory instincts-parked vehicles are now being towed away, even when they constitute no obstruction or nuisance and are not even parked on the road.
According to some LASTMA personnel I encountered, the set-back of my office building according to them is the walk-way to the road running along the office. “You can’t park on walk-ways” declared the partially power-drunk LASTMA men.
Query:
1. What is a walk-way?”
2. What are the parks constituted by government for people to park the vehicles?
3. Why is the average Nigerian law enforcement agent aggressive, imperial unreasonable and cocky?
THURSDAY 5TH MARCH 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. Had a long, long day in Justice Oyewole’s Court. The premises of that particular court, in the morning could easily be mistaken for the site of a massive “Owanbe” party in progress. This, courtesy of an army of gaily dressed women and some men who had stormed the court to “solidarise” with one Chief Olabode George, a Vice-Chairman of the People Democratic Party (PDP) standing trial for financial corruption before the Oyewole court. A not-so-funny, nauseating sight, they were. Saw staffers evacuating from the Records and Registry of the Ikeja Magistrate Court. The place would soon be pulled down so said the judiciary workers. Hope a phoenix will emerge from the ruins.
4TH WEEK FEB (23RD -27TH FEB 2009)
SQUIB DIARY
MONDAY 23RD FEBRUARY 2009
The Squib’s out cover story-Earthquake hits Lagos judiciary: c.j steps aside. Acting chief judge coming. Readers snapped up the squib in no time. For the first in many months, more than 60% of the available copies of the squib were sold on a Monday. Instructive to note the massive and wide spread gleeful approval of the possible imminent exit of Adetula Alabi J. as the Chief Judge of Lagos State.
TUESDAY 24TH FEBRUARY 2009
The squib continued to be a hot cake. Everybody that was anybody in the Lagos judiciary wanted to read our cover story. Several calls came to the Chief Gecko to publish extra-copies of the magazine. In the afternoon interacted with a few Tigers at the Bar centre (secretariat of the NBA Ikeja branch).
Lest I forget that terrible stream near Justice Alogba’s court, still maintaing. Its odors presence. Terrible I tell you that streams faecal matters and liquids would be wending her way on the very ground that the feet of several learned friend had trod and would still tread. This stream is ugly, shameful offensive and dangerous. Let the authorities fix the spoilt sewage system straight.
WEDNESDAY 25TH FEBRUARY 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. For a case. Noticed many people were still excited about squib’s cover story and wanted to get the squib to buy or read. Unfortunately there was none to be seen for sale again. Saw quite a few folks making a pilgrimage to the Bar Centre, Ikeja in the hope of getting a copy there. No dice, though.
Quite irritating the sight of the “dangerous stream” bear Justice Alogba’s court. Can you image human waste products flowing out of broken sewage into the bare ground in a court premises and, and, nobody talking!
Was at a family & probate division court in the morning. Divorce proceedings, I tell you, can be so interesting. Witnessed a case where the petitioner’s counsel was no other than the petitioner himself!
The guy insisted to the court that he wanted his legal representation that way! Most of the other lawyers present however felt the arrangement was rather sticky, to say the least.
THURSDAY 26TH FEBRUARY 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. People still looking for copies of the Squib to buy. My well, my client’s case couldn’t go on. In Obadina J’s court. Power failure, the culprit. No electronic recording could be done therefore. The problem had been on since Monday.
Noticed that the ‘Evil Stream’ near Justice Alogba’s court, still very much “active” as usual, lawyers and litigants were stepping through the foul waters. What a shame!
FRIDAY 27TH FEBRUARY 2009
Came to the Ikeja High Court. At about 2.00pm. Met an Ado-Ekiti based counsel, who wanted to know whether the Supreme Court website existed in fact? What say you?
Limited my perambulations majorly to the Tiger’s lair the Bar Centre. On my way home saw the ‘Evil Stream’ near Justice Alogba’s court, drying up. Semi-moist pieces of excretes, all about the ground. Phaw!
MONDAY 23RD FEBRUARY 2009
The Squib’s out cover story-Earthquake hits Lagos judiciary: c.j steps aside. Acting chief judge coming. Readers snapped up the squib in no time. For the first in many months, more than 60% of the available copies of the squib were sold on a Monday. Instructive to note the massive and wide spread gleeful approval of the possible imminent exit of Adetula Alabi J. as the Chief Judge of Lagos State.
TUESDAY 24TH FEBRUARY 2009
The squib continued to be a hot cake. Everybody that was anybody in the Lagos judiciary wanted to read our cover story. Several calls came to the Chief Gecko to publish extra-copies of the magazine. In the afternoon interacted with a few Tigers at the Bar centre (secretariat of the NBA Ikeja branch).
Lest I forget that terrible stream near Justice Alogba’s court, still maintaing. Its odors presence. Terrible I tell you that streams faecal matters and liquids would be wending her way on the very ground that the feet of several learned friend had trod and would still tread. This stream is ugly, shameful offensive and dangerous. Let the authorities fix the spoilt sewage system straight.
WEDNESDAY 25TH FEBRUARY 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. For a case. Noticed many people were still excited about squib’s cover story and wanted to get the squib to buy or read. Unfortunately there was none to be seen for sale again. Saw quite a few folks making a pilgrimage to the Bar Centre, Ikeja in the hope of getting a copy there. No dice, though.
Quite irritating the sight of the “dangerous stream” bear Justice Alogba’s court. Can you image human waste products flowing out of broken sewage into the bare ground in a court premises and, and, nobody talking!
Was at a family & probate division court in the morning. Divorce proceedings, I tell you, can be so interesting. Witnessed a case where the petitioner’s counsel was no other than the petitioner himself!
The guy insisted to the court that he wanted his legal representation that way! Most of the other lawyers present however felt the arrangement was rather sticky, to say the least.
THURSDAY 26TH FEBRUARY 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. People still looking for copies of the Squib to buy. My well, my client’s case couldn’t go on. In Obadina J’s court. Power failure, the culprit. No electronic recording could be done therefore. The problem had been on since Monday.
Noticed that the ‘Evil Stream’ near Justice Alogba’s court, still very much “active” as usual, lawyers and litigants were stepping through the foul waters. What a shame!
FRIDAY 27TH FEBRUARY 2009
Came to the Ikeja High Court. At about 2.00pm. Met an Ado-Ekiti based counsel, who wanted to know whether the Supreme Court website existed in fact? What say you?
Limited my perambulations majorly to the Tiger’s lair the Bar Centre. On my way home saw the ‘Evil Stream’ near Justice Alogba’s court, drying up. Semi-moist pieces of excretes, all about the ground. Phaw!
3RD WEEK FEBRUARY (16TH - 21ST FEB)
SQUIB DIARY
MONDAY 16TH FEBRUARY, 2009
The Squib's out. Cover story on the Chief Ladi Williams SAN and Niyi Adewunmi's noisy face off in Justice Opesanwo's court. Was at the Ikeja High Court. For two matters. One of the matters happened to be at the “Bee-Hive” court of Justice Olubunmi Oyewole. Today, the star case was the Criminal Prosecution of Peoples Democratic Party chieftain Olabode George and some other persons. Quite a lot of interesting and colourfully attired people, ladies in particular, came to give moral support to George. The women came clad in robes and 'geles' of browns and gold. They were so many, about one hundred and fifty in number, perhaps. Of course the court room hall was jam-packed so much that even, some lawyers had to stand up in the court room.
TUESDAY 17TH FEBRUARY 2009
Came to the Ikeja High Court. Later in the afternoon. Saw the ugly stream near the entrance of Honourable Justice Kazeem Alogba’s court, floating particles of excreta. Phew!
WEDNESDAY 18TH FEBRUARY 2009
Was at the Lagos High Court in the morning. Left Lagos for Oshogbo, Osun State with about a dozen other Tigers for the National Executive Council Meeting of the Nigerian Bar Association slated there. Take off time was 3:30p.m. Had a safe and smooth journey to Oshogbo, where our first port of call was ………… can you guess an amala and abula restaurant. Hot, sweet and satisfying stuff I tell you. Quite a nice welcome did the Oshogbo NBA give the attendees (they came all over the country) although many, especially the men were heard complaining that “though there is adequate accommodation, there is no lodging!” Tigers put up in one simple but fine place called, Hotel Bafoooo!
THURSDAY 19TH FEBRUARY 2009
Attended the NEC meeting, the second in the Rotimi Akeredolu Presidency. The morning was devoted to hearing speeches from authority figures in the Osun State Government. The Governor, Oyinlola his Deputy, Obada (Mrs) the Chief Judge, Attorney-General, the Speaker of the House of Assembly and more were present. Seated of course at the High table. Lest I forget, there was break fast for the attendees. Heard the announcement that the Osun State Governement or is it just the Governor donated not a few milions to the coffers of the NBA. The NBA president said that the “Oyin-ni-O” dash was more than the 5 milion naira donation of the Niger State Governor in Minna in November 2008.
In the afternoon session, the NEC remained fiercely and adamantly against the registration of the Senior Advocates of Nigeria, with the Company Affairs Commission. All the smart moves by the Bar President, Rotimi Akeredolu SAN, who had defiantly told NEC members in Minna in November 2008 that the BOSAN would be registered “whether you like it or not” were defeated roundly. In fact the president was heckled and booed at a point. At the end of the day , the NEC unanimously endorsed the formal opposition to the registration of BOSAN written to the Company Affairs Commission, in 2008 by Rafiu Lawal Rabana, then the General Secretary of the NBA. Earlier the NEC approved Lagos State as the hosting of the 2009 Annual General Conference of the NBA. In the evening, there was dinner in the Government lodge. The food arrangement was not too great- the serving points inadequate and people had to jostle to get food.
But the music was nice as well as the speeches. Virtually all the Tigers present, including Mr. Femi Falana, danced. And well too.
FRIDAY 20TH FEBRUARY, 2009
Left Oshogbo for Lagos, with other Tigers in our branded bus. But not without first doing justice to a mid-morning breakfast of “amala and abula”.
SATURDAY 21ST FEBRUARY, 2009
The Tigers' Sportif club met at the Police College for exercises and a game of soccer. Interestingly, at least two of the Tigers who exercised very well in Oshogbo during the NEC meeting (Thursday and Friday) turned up for the sports while of all those who did not exercise themselves in Oshogbo only one showed up. What does that tell us? Exercise is good for the body!
MONDAY 16TH FEBRUARY, 2009
The Squib's out. Cover story on the Chief Ladi Williams SAN and Niyi Adewunmi's noisy face off in Justice Opesanwo's court. Was at the Ikeja High Court. For two matters. One of the matters happened to be at the “Bee-Hive” court of Justice Olubunmi Oyewole. Today, the star case was the Criminal Prosecution of Peoples Democratic Party chieftain Olabode George and some other persons. Quite a lot of interesting and colourfully attired people, ladies in particular, came to give moral support to George. The women came clad in robes and 'geles' of browns and gold. They were so many, about one hundred and fifty in number, perhaps. Of course the court room hall was jam-packed so much that even, some lawyers had to stand up in the court room.
TUESDAY 17TH FEBRUARY 2009
Came to the Ikeja High Court. Later in the afternoon. Saw the ugly stream near the entrance of Honourable Justice Kazeem Alogba’s court, floating particles of excreta. Phew!
WEDNESDAY 18TH FEBRUARY 2009
Was at the Lagos High Court in the morning. Left Lagos for Oshogbo, Osun State with about a dozen other Tigers for the National Executive Council Meeting of the Nigerian Bar Association slated there. Take off time was 3:30p.m. Had a safe and smooth journey to Oshogbo, where our first port of call was ………… can you guess an amala and abula restaurant. Hot, sweet and satisfying stuff I tell you. Quite a nice welcome did the Oshogbo NBA give the attendees (they came all over the country) although many, especially the men were heard complaining that “though there is adequate accommodation, there is no lodging!” Tigers put up in one simple but fine place called, Hotel Bafoooo!
THURSDAY 19TH FEBRUARY 2009
Attended the NEC meeting, the second in the Rotimi Akeredolu Presidency. The morning was devoted to hearing speeches from authority figures in the Osun State Government. The Governor, Oyinlola his Deputy, Obada (Mrs) the Chief Judge, Attorney-General, the Speaker of the House of Assembly and more were present. Seated of course at the High table. Lest I forget, there was break fast for the attendees. Heard the announcement that the Osun State Governement or is it just the Governor donated not a few milions to the coffers of the NBA. The NBA president said that the “Oyin-ni-O” dash was more than the 5 milion naira donation of the Niger State Governor in Minna in November 2008.
In the afternoon session, the NEC remained fiercely and adamantly against the registration of the Senior Advocates of Nigeria, with the Company Affairs Commission. All the smart moves by the Bar President, Rotimi Akeredolu SAN, who had defiantly told NEC members in Minna in November 2008 that the BOSAN would be registered “whether you like it or not” were defeated roundly. In fact the president was heckled and booed at a point. At the end of the day , the NEC unanimously endorsed the formal opposition to the registration of BOSAN written to the Company Affairs Commission, in 2008 by Rafiu Lawal Rabana, then the General Secretary of the NBA. Earlier the NEC approved Lagos State as the hosting of the 2009 Annual General Conference of the NBA. In the evening, there was dinner in the Government lodge. The food arrangement was not too great- the serving points inadequate and people had to jostle to get food.
But the music was nice as well as the speeches. Virtually all the Tigers present, including Mr. Femi Falana, danced. And well too.
FRIDAY 20TH FEBRUARY, 2009
Left Oshogbo for Lagos, with other Tigers in our branded bus. But not without first doing justice to a mid-morning breakfast of “amala and abula”.
SATURDAY 21ST FEBRUARY, 2009
The Tigers' Sportif club met at the Police College for exercises and a game of soccer. Interestingly, at least two of the Tigers who exercised very well in Oshogbo during the NEC meeting (Thursday and Friday) turned up for the sports while of all those who did not exercise themselves in Oshogbo only one showed up. What does that tell us? Exercise is good for the body!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
2ND WEEK FEBRUARY 09 (9TH - 14TH)
SQUIB DIARY
MONDAY 9TH FEBRUARY 2009
Squib’s out. Cover story – Court of Appeal Dams Nigerian Lawyers. Was at the Ikeja High court. For cases. Why are prosecution teams generally lazy or and uncoordinated?
Many of the times they are fond of giving excuses to the court instead of proceeding with their case. Noticed something positive about some leaders of the Tiger branch sartorial elegance. “Everybody” is getting dandy these days. But, em, the way, when will we commence the building of our new secretariat?
TUESDAY 10TH FEBRUARY 2009
Got quite late to court (Lagos High Court, Tafawa Balewa Square. Missing phones, traffic jams, the culprit. Later sailed off the court to Ikeja High Court from there to Sheraton Ikeja to meet a beautiful lady. Well, not in camera. World Bank Project Personnel. Zara by name. Must you know any more? Well the purpose of the meeting had something to do with the Squib. Satisfied now?
WEDNESDAY 11TH FEBRUARY 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. Spent long hours at the Bar Centre. Having a leader’s meeting. Tigers’ leadership. Took some “wait and get” passport photographs. Some stories to tell about photographs. Later.
THURSDAY 12TH FEBRUARY 2009
Was at the Lagos High Court. Then very briefly at the Appeal Court. Geckoed freely and widely about. Got to the Ministry of Justice later in the afternoon. For one or two ‘gecko unrelated business. Noticed that offices in the Ministry ’ve gown smaller but neater, even canter. Was bold that the already large Chambers of the Honourable Attorney-General has even grown larger. More people, then, less space. Moved on to the Ikeja High Court. Tied up some lawyers business. Much later in the evening, landed at the Ministry of Justice again. This guy must be chasing something. That, if nothing was chasing him.
FRIDAY 13TH FEBRUARY 2009
Spent some hours at the Bar Centre, Ikeja High Court. Eating, chatting, granting interview. Life in the Tigers’ lair can be fun.
SATURDAY 14TH FEBRUARY 2009
Was at the Police College for the Tigers’ Weekend Sports Programme. Even though all those who turned were 51/2, we still had a good time, running about with our 40 years old plus bodies about, playing a similitude of beach soccer.
MONDAY 9TH FEBRUARY 2009
Squib’s out. Cover story – Court of Appeal Dams Nigerian Lawyers. Was at the Ikeja High court. For cases. Why are prosecution teams generally lazy or and uncoordinated?
Many of the times they are fond of giving excuses to the court instead of proceeding with their case. Noticed something positive about some leaders of the Tiger branch sartorial elegance. “Everybody” is getting dandy these days. But, em, the way, when will we commence the building of our new secretariat?
TUESDAY 10TH FEBRUARY 2009
Got quite late to court (Lagos High Court, Tafawa Balewa Square. Missing phones, traffic jams, the culprit. Later sailed off the court to Ikeja High Court from there to Sheraton Ikeja to meet a beautiful lady. Well, not in camera. World Bank Project Personnel. Zara by name. Must you know any more? Well the purpose of the meeting had something to do with the Squib. Satisfied now?
WEDNESDAY 11TH FEBRUARY 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. Spent long hours at the Bar Centre. Having a leader’s meeting. Tigers’ leadership. Took some “wait and get” passport photographs. Some stories to tell about photographs. Later.
THURSDAY 12TH FEBRUARY 2009
Was at the Lagos High Court. Then very briefly at the Appeal Court. Geckoed freely and widely about. Got to the Ministry of Justice later in the afternoon. For one or two ‘gecko unrelated business. Noticed that offices in the Ministry ’ve gown smaller but neater, even canter. Was bold that the already large Chambers of the Honourable Attorney-General has even grown larger. More people, then, less space. Moved on to the Ikeja High Court. Tied up some lawyers business. Much later in the evening, landed at the Ministry of Justice again. This guy must be chasing something. That, if nothing was chasing him.
FRIDAY 13TH FEBRUARY 2009
Spent some hours at the Bar Centre, Ikeja High Court. Eating, chatting, granting interview. Life in the Tigers’ lair can be fun.
SATURDAY 14TH FEBRUARY 2009
Was at the Police College for the Tigers’ Weekend Sports Programme. Even though all those who turned were 51/2, we still had a good time, running about with our 40 years old plus bodies about, playing a similitude of beach soccer.
Friday, February 13, 2009
3RD WEEK JAN 2009 (19TH - 24TH)
SQUIB DIARY
Monday 19th January 2009
The first Squib edition of the year, out. Cover? The 5th Fawehimiism Festival: The Clash of Titans. Left for Abuja, this morning. Myself and Chief G.O.K Ajayi S.A.N. For my case (C.J Lagos Vs Adesina Ogunlana) before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee. The petitioner, Justice Ibitola Sotuminu former Chief Judge, Lagos, absent as usual. No witness in fact for the prosecution. The LPDC could not form quorum. Matter adjourned indefinitely.
Came back safely to Lagos with Chief Ajayi S.A.N. And, can you believe this - Chief paid my air fare back. Business class. Squib got himself a great dad, you say?
Tuesday 20th January 2009
Was at the Ikeja High court today. In the afternoon. Geckoed and lazed about.
Wednesday 21st January 2009
Had a case at the Ikeja High Court. Finished around 11:00a.m. Did a Tigers’ ‘Exco Meeting. Left for the NBA national Secretariat, Lagos with the Chief Tiger, Dave Ajetomobi and a Tigeress. To check upon the Joint Bid of the three Lagos State branches of the NBA (Lagos, Ikeja and Ikorodu) for the 2009 Annual Conference of the NBA. Looked like the Joint Bid would scale through.
Thursday 22nd January 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. Late in the afternoon. Went to one or two court to ‘collect’ dates for matters over-ran by the 42 day strike of JUSUN (Dec 1 2008 - Jan 12 2009).
Friday 23rd January 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. Nothing much appeared going on. Heard that the meeting of the Lagos Judiciary Workers, called yesterday to “select representatives to dialogue with the state government over workers’ welfare” flopped. The convener was Ismail Adesina Esq. Are the workers in disarray? Squib’s investigation show that there are cracks among the workers. There is a group led by Ismail Adesina Esq. which claims that the State Executives of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigerian (JUSUN), having been sacked by Lagos Judiciary and as such do not enjoy recognition by the government and management and as such cannot represent the workers in negotiation with government. There is also another group known as the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) Lagos State Branch, Judiciary Unit, headed by one Mr. S. Salami. The main grouse of the ASCSN against the JUSUN is that JUSUN is claiming to represent all categories of workers in the Lagos State Judiciary whereas all Senior Staff from grade 07 are members of the ASCSN and not JUSUN.
On Friday 23rd January 2009, the ASCSN came up with a notice to all her members warning them not embark on any strike against the Lagos State Government. However it would appear that the JUSUN led by Mr. Segun Omoboye is the organised group with the greatest influence on the workers, notwithstanding that Omoboye and other leaders of the JUSUN are in Court, challenging their dismissal from service in Court. The JUSUN as at Friday 23rd January 2009 had sent to the office of the Attorney-General Lagos State, the list of five representatives of the workers to discuss and negotiate with the government on the improvement on the welfare interests of the workers. The meeting between the government and the judiciary is heavily supported and monitored by the Nigerian Bar Association, to avoid another labour crisis in the Judiciary.
Saturday 24th January 2009
With five other Tigers, observed the Ikeja Bar Weekly Sporting Day at the Police College Ikeja. Boy, was the harmattan tough, the air was so dry that we could only play soccer for just about forty minutes. But it was fun nonetheless.
Monday 19th January 2009
The first Squib edition of the year, out. Cover? The 5th Fawehimiism Festival: The Clash of Titans. Left for Abuja, this morning. Myself and Chief G.O.K Ajayi S.A.N. For my case (C.J Lagos Vs Adesina Ogunlana) before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee. The petitioner, Justice Ibitola Sotuminu former Chief Judge, Lagos, absent as usual. No witness in fact for the prosecution. The LPDC could not form quorum. Matter adjourned indefinitely.
Came back safely to Lagos with Chief Ajayi S.A.N. And, can you believe this - Chief paid my air fare back. Business class. Squib got himself a great dad, you say?
Tuesday 20th January 2009
Was at the Ikeja High court today. In the afternoon. Geckoed and lazed about.
Wednesday 21st January 2009
Had a case at the Ikeja High Court. Finished around 11:00a.m. Did a Tigers’ ‘Exco Meeting. Left for the NBA national Secretariat, Lagos with the Chief Tiger, Dave Ajetomobi and a Tigeress. To check upon the Joint Bid of the three Lagos State branches of the NBA (Lagos, Ikeja and Ikorodu) for the 2009 Annual Conference of the NBA. Looked like the Joint Bid would scale through.
Thursday 22nd January 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. Late in the afternoon. Went to one or two court to ‘collect’ dates for matters over-ran by the 42 day strike of JUSUN (Dec 1 2008 - Jan 12 2009).
Friday 23rd January 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. Nothing much appeared going on. Heard that the meeting of the Lagos Judiciary Workers, called yesterday to “select representatives to dialogue with the state government over workers’ welfare” flopped. The convener was Ismail Adesina Esq. Are the workers in disarray? Squib’s investigation show that there are cracks among the workers. There is a group led by Ismail Adesina Esq. which claims that the State Executives of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigerian (JUSUN), having been sacked by Lagos Judiciary and as such do not enjoy recognition by the government and management and as such cannot represent the workers in negotiation with government. There is also another group known as the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) Lagos State Branch, Judiciary Unit, headed by one Mr. S. Salami. The main grouse of the ASCSN against the JUSUN is that JUSUN is claiming to represent all categories of workers in the Lagos State Judiciary whereas all Senior Staff from grade 07 are members of the ASCSN and not JUSUN.
On Friday 23rd January 2009, the ASCSN came up with a notice to all her members warning them not embark on any strike against the Lagos State Government. However it would appear that the JUSUN led by Mr. Segun Omoboye is the organised group with the greatest influence on the workers, notwithstanding that Omoboye and other leaders of the JUSUN are in Court, challenging their dismissal from service in Court. The JUSUN as at Friday 23rd January 2009 had sent to the office of the Attorney-General Lagos State, the list of five representatives of the workers to discuss and negotiate with the government on the improvement on the welfare interests of the workers. The meeting between the government and the judiciary is heavily supported and monitored by the Nigerian Bar Association, to avoid another labour crisis in the Judiciary.
Saturday 24th January 2009
With five other Tigers, observed the Ikeja Bar Weekly Sporting Day at the Police College Ikeja. Boy, was the harmattan tough, the air was so dry that we could only play soccer for just about forty minutes. But it was fun nonetheless.
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