Gani Fawehinmi lives on as Nigeria Weekly Law Report celebrates 40th Anniversary

By Akin Kuponiyi

Memories of legal icon, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN, came alive on Thursday, when lawyerss and workers of the Nigerian Weekly Law Report he left behind 16 years ago gathered at the Headquarters of the publication at Alausa Ikeja, Lagos to celebrate 40th anniversary of the publication.

The lawyers and other workers who have been with the company and its subsidiary for over 38 years told journalists that celebrating the enduring legacy of the legal icon is a reflection on four decades of consistent law reporting while unveiling future innovations aimed at strengthening access to justice.

A commemorative event to mark the 40th anniversary, according to the Chairman of the planning committee, Barrister Oluwole Kehinde, will feature the former Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) who will deliver a key note address.

Besides, Barrister Kehinde, who is the Editor of NWLR hinted that he event which will be chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun will also host jurists, legal scholars, publishers, and Judicial media professionals.

He said the theme of the anniversary, “Safeguarding the Legacy of Law Reporting and Embracing the Future in Technology,” underscores the dual focus of preserving the rich heritage of law reporting while embracing digital innovations that shape modern legal practice.

He said, “the Nigerian Law Report, first published on October 1, 1985, holds the distinction of being the first dedicated law reports in Nigeria and across Africa, the publication succeeded where other publications that preceded it failed.”

“Since its maiden edition released on Nigeria’s 25th Independence Day, the publication has provided weekly compilations of court decisions, thereby making the law accessible to judges, lawyers, researchers, and students.”

He also said the celebration was not only about looking back at the achievements of the past, but also about projecting into the future. “Forty years of uninterrupted publication is a rare feat in Africa’s publishing and judicial history. The Nigerian Law Report has become an indispensable tool for justice delivery, and today we celebrate both its legacy and its promise,” he said.

The Chairman of the Editorial Board, Mr. Ayo Olanrewaju, described the NWLR as “the conscience of legal reporting in Nigeria,” noting that it has consistently maintained editorial independence and a rigorous standard of accuracy.

Also present was Mr. Mojeed Ajao, immediate past Managing Director of the Nigerian Law Publications Limited, who highlighted the innovations the publication has embraced over the years.

The Acting Managing Director, Mr Gbenga Ogunleye, recalled that in 2019, the Nigerian Law Report launched its online platform, making thousands of judgments available digitally.

“We realized that the future of law reporting must be driven by technology, and that step has allowed practitioners and researchers across the world to access Nigerian jurisprudence at the click of a button.”

Ogunleye, however, praised the Nigerian Law Report for “democratizing access to judicial precedents” and called for further innovations, including artificial intelligence-driven search tools and wider open-access platforms.

From its humble beginnings in 1985 to becoming Africa’s longest-running specialized law report, the NLR has played a critical role in strengthening Nigeria’s legal framework. Its consistent weekly publications have ensured that court decisions an essential component of the nation’s laws are readily accessible to the bench, the bar, and the wider public.

“As the Nigerian Law Report steps into its fifth decade, stakeholders pledged to uphold its founding vision while harnessing technology to advance justice delivery. The celebration not only highlighted a remarkable journey of consistency but also pointed the way to a more innovative and accessible future in Nigerian law reporting.”

Other notable attendees included members of the editorial board such as Senior Editor, Simon Evivie, Yinka Olatunji, Snr. Deputy Editor and Editorial Secretary, NWLR; Chidinma Ojigwe, Assistant Editor, NWLR and Secretary, 40th Anniversary Planning Committee, as well as representatives of the board of Directors.