Shocking! Lagos lawyers offer free legal help to residents

The Amuwo Odofin Lawyers Forum (AOLF) has launched a free legal aid programme to support indigent residents of the Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area with much-needed legal services.

Held at the AOLGA Council Secretariat, the outreach was themed: “Free Legal Clinic on Tenancy Matters, Properties, Matrimonial Matters and Legal Advice.” It focused on boosting legal awareness and ensuring access to justice for those who cannot afford legal representation.

Chairman of the forum, Mr. Chris Aghaonu, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the initiative seeks to close the justice gap for low-income earners.

“We want to see a lot of people coming to access justice free of charge, without paying anything,” he said.

Aghaonu noted that the legal clinic also served to honour the Local Government Chairman, Mr. Valentine Buraimoh, who recently completed the construction of a magistrate and high court in the community.

He added that the presence of these courts would reduce the financial burden of transportation for litigants and position the forum to become a recognized branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

Dr. Peter Adekoya, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of AOLF, emphasized the role of the forum in mediation and legal enlightenment.

“Before matters get to court, the forum can meet with residents to educate them on the law. Through alternative dispute resolution, many problems can be solved,” he said.

Mr. Buraimoh, the council chairman, lauded the initiative, stating that many in the community suffer from injustice due to inaccessibility of the legal system.

“My goal for building these courts is to ensure justice is brought closer to the people,” he said. He also encouraged lawyers to act as defenders of the vulnerable and champions of justice.