A Committee of Friends organized a special reception on Saturday, the 23rd of September, 2023, in honour of Mr. Lawal Alade Pedro, SAN, on his appointment as the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Lagos State.
The event which was convened by Mr. Adesina Adegbite, the General Secretary of NBA witnessed a gathering of friends and well-wishers who lavished encomiums on Mr. Lawal Pedro.
The celebration was graced by prominent figures including serving Judges of the Lagos State High Court, Learned Silks, and Three successive Past Attorneys General of Lagos State who served from 2007 to 2019 respectively. The Past Attorneys General individually shared their pleasant thoughts about the new Attorney General and gave words of advice.
Former Attorney General of Lagos State, Mr. Ade Ipaye, who had known Mr. Pedro for over two decades, lauded his consistent hard work and intellectual prowess. He expressed his happiness about Mr. Pedro’s appointment and advised him to remain attentive to the needs of the ministry staff and his work environment. Mr. Ipaye shared his personal experience of working tirelessly to clear his desk, concluding with heartfelt wishes for Mr. Pedro’s success.
Mr. Adeniji Kazeem SAN who succeeded Mr. Ipaye in office praised Mr. Pedro as an all-around good person. He advised Mr. Pedro to be cautious in his interactions while being engaged on multiple levels, emphasizing the importance of caring for and defending the welfare of the ministry staff. He also encouraged Mr. Pedro to focus on building a lasting legacy during his tenure and ensuring that he projects his achievements.
Mr. Dele Akinmosuti, who is Mr. Pedro’s first boss, delivered a captivating speech, showering accolades on honouree. The heartfelt speech was met with admiration and applause from the guests.
Adding an international touch to the celebration, Mr. Pedro’s last daughter who resides in Canada virtually conveyed her accolades, leaving a lasting impression on the audience. Similarly Mr. Babajide Pedro, Mr. Pedro’s son, who is also currently in Canada showered encomiums on his father and appreciated him for being a great mentor. There were other virtual messages from Mrs. Ronke Adegbite (Mr. Pedro’s cousin), Mrs. Tutu Adebayo and Suyi…. both of whom were erstwhile Special Assistants to Mr. Pedro when he was the Solicitor General.
Deacon Dele Adesina SAN shared wisdom, highlighting the value of experience. He advised Mr. Pedro to prioritize critical issues and encouraged Mr. Pedro to discourage media trials. The revered learned silk also encouraged Mr. Pedro to maintain gratitude, and concluded with prayers for his success.
Justice Lawal Akapo added his good wishes and reminded Mr. Pedro of the potential for making new friends while also praying for his success.
The Chairman of the NBA Lagos Branch, Mr. Bisi Makanjuola and his counterpart of Ikeja Branch, Seyi Olawumi, both conveyed their wishes, emphasizing the significance of Mr. Pedro’s role as the Attorney General.
Mrs. Joyce Oduah, former General Secretary of the NBA, also extended her well wishes. She recalled a time she needed his help when he was the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, and to her amazement, he was able to swiftly help her without asking for any reward She acknowledged his humility and hardworking nature. She offered prayers for him to succeed and excel at all times.
Mr. Supo Shasore SAN, the first Attorney General under whom Mr. Lawal Pedro served as the Solicitor General & Permanent Secretary and during which period he was conferred with the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, also shared his thoughts about the honouree and was very generous with the encomiums he showered on him.
Mr. Adesina Adegbite, the current General Secretary of the NBA and the Convener of the Committee of Friends delivered an elaborate vote of thanks, expressing appreciation to all members of the Committee their kind donation towards the reception and appreciated all the guests for coming.
A gigantic card gift was presented to Mr. Lawal Pedro SAN as a token of their appreciation.
In an interview with the Press, Mr. Adesina Adegbite highlighted Mr. Lawal Pedro’s outstanding legacy as Permanent Secretary and Solicitor General of Lagos State, which inspired and motivated everyone to celebrate his appointment as the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice. Mr. Adegbite expressed excitement about the anticipated introduction of Administration of Civil Justice System in Lagos State, which hint was dropped by Mr. Lawal Pedro SAN during his remarks. If passed, the Law is expected to enhance the administration of civil justice system in Lagos State.
