Lagos celebrates 25 years of legal aid for vulnerable

The Lagos State Bureau of the Public Defender (formerly Office of the Public Defender) on Thursday marked 25 years of service, celebrating a quarter-century of offering free legal representation and advocacy for the vulnerable and indigent across the state.

At a press conference held at the bureau’s headquarters in Surulere, the agency’s director, Mrs Olubunmi Adesomoju, highlighted the achievements, challenges, and future direction, describing the last two and a half decades as a testament to justice, equity, and hope for Lagosians without the means to hire private legal counsel.

“Our mandate is simple but powerful: provide legal representation, advice, and solutions to the indigent and vulnerable, including women, children, and persons with disabilities.

“We are a voice to the voiceless, hope to the hopeless, and defenders of the defenceless,” she said.

She stated that the theme of the celebration is “25 years of Public Defence, Honouring the Past, Defending the Future.”

Mrs Adesomoju recounted numerous cases in which the bureau’s intervention made a life-changing difference, including securing compensation for injured workers, protecting tenants from unlawful eviction, and safeguarding children’s rights under the Child Rights Law of Lagos State.

One notable case involved a 14-day-old baby born severely jaundiced to Jehovah’s Witness parents who refused blood transfusion for religious reasons.

The baby was dying. We intervened, obtained a court order, and Lagos State became the child’s guardian for treatment. The child is alive today,” she said.

The bureau, she said, also defended suspects in criminal cases, many of whom had been discharged and acquitted.

While acknowledging the immense workload and manpower limitations, Mrs Adesomoju noted that volunteer lawyers in private practice regularly partner with the bureau to offer pro bono services.

“It’s a lot of work, and we never have enough hands, but our pro bono partners are a huge help,” she said.

Addressing public misconceptions about the quality of free legal services, Mrs. Adesomoju said: “Our lawyers are well-trained and experienced. This is not charity, it is professional, quality service backed by law and powered by passion,” she said.

The bureau, according to her, operates in nine locations across the five administrative divisions of Lagos State, including locations in Ajah, Ajegunle, Ogba, Epe, Ikorodu, Alimosho, and Agege, and plans are underway to expand further.

“We are guided by a strategic plan. We want to be more visible, more accessible, and more present in the daily lives of people in Lagos,” Adesomoju stated.

She also launched the new toll-free call centre, saying that for residents in need, the bureau can be reached through its new toll-free call centre on 0800 006 7352 or direct line 0708 060 1080.

Mrs Adesomoju expressed gratitude to the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Attorney General, Lawal Pedro (SAN), Director of Public Prosecutions, Dr Babajide Martins, and other state officials for their unwavering support.

The bureau was established on July 24, 2000, as a small unit within the Citizens’ Rights Department of the Lagos State Ministry of Justice by then-Governor Bola Tinubu