Residents of Amuwo Odofin are now benefiting from free legal services, thanks to a community outreach led by Amuwo Odofin Lawyers Forum (AOLF) in Lagos on Saturday, July 19.
The initiative aims to increase and promote legal awareness and access to justice by providing pro bono support on civil matters and empowering locals with legal knowledge. Organisers say the programme will help bridge gaps in legal representation and promote community rights advocacy.
The Amuwo Odofin Lawyers Forum (AOLF) in Lagos embarked on a free legal aid programme on Saturday to promote legal awareness and access to justice.
The programme, held at the Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area (AOLGA) Council, had the theme: “Free Legal Clinic on Tenancy Matters, Properties, Matrimonial Matters and Legal Advice”
It is designed to provide support for indigent residents who cannot afford legal services.
Speaking during the event, the Chairman of the forum, Mr Chris Aghaonu, said that many people in the community who required the services of lawyers could not afford them.
Aghaonu added that the programme was also aimed at honouring the council Chairman, Mr Valentine Buraimoh, for building to completion a magistrate court and a high court in the community.
According to him, the courts will help ensure that residents have easy access to justice, without having to spend a lot on transportation.
He added that the presence of both magistrates and high courts in the community also qualified the lawyers to apply as a branch of the Nigerian Bar Association.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the forum, Dr. Peter Adekoya, stated that the initiative will provide free legal advice and mediation on common issues affecting members of the community.
According to him, before a matter reaches the courts, the forum can meet with residents to educate them on the law. Then, through alternative dispute resolution, problems can be resolved.
On his part, Chairman of the Council, Mr Valentine Buraimoh, said that there were numerous cases of injustice in the community.
Acknowledging the need for easy access to justice, he stated that his aim in establishing courts within the community is to help address issues of injustice.
Buraimoh urged lawyers to afford assistance to the helpless and be advocates of justice for the defenseless.
