EndSARS: Sanwo-Olu flags off rebuilding of Igbosere high court

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Monday flagged off the rebuilding of the Igbosere High Court on Lagos Island razed by hoodlums during the EndSARS protest that rocked the country in October 2020.

The court, the oldest in the country, was one of the iconic projects destroyed during the protest that led to the destruction of many valuable assets and looting of many privately owned establishments in Lagos.

As part of measures to salvage the situation, Governor Sanwo-Olu had set up the Rebuild Lagos Trust Fund in November 2020 with a mandate to restore the affected assets.

Igbosere High Court is one of the pioneer projects identified by the Fund which holds historical significance to Lagos.

Speaking at the ground breaking ceremony of the redevelopment, Sanwo-Olu stated that the edifice would be restored to be able to continue with its role in the administration of justice in the state.

The governor noted that the event that led to the redevelopment of the edifice was prophetic, disclosing that the Chief Judge of the state had earlier requested for the rebuilding of the court before the occurrence of EndSARS protest.

Sanwo-Olu said the Rebuild Lagos Trust Fund was made independent to save it from bureaucratic bottlenecks, while professionals who had distinguished themselves in their chosen careers were selected as members.

He added that the lady justice and the two lions who are symbolic to justice would be brought back in a more dignified manner to have a befitting edifice that stands for what Lagos represents.

The state Chief Judge, Justice Kazeem Alogba, speaking at the event, said: “Today is the manifestation of the beginning of almighty God for this edifice. There is no doubt that the forces of darkness thought they were having it good not knowing that God has a plan to give us a good mansion.”

He pointed out that despite the destruction of the court, the lady justice and the two lions were not affected, noting the symbols have just gone to hiding for more fortified justice.

Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General of the state, Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN) expressed delight over the plan to redevelop the court, saying the forces of darkness would not triumph over light.

“Justice is not just bricks and mortars. It can’t be killed. We can gladly see that light has overcome darkness,” said Onigbanjo.