The Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos West, Anglican Communion, Right Rev. James Odedeji, has urged judges and lawyers to uphold integrity and fairness in the administration of justice.

Odedeji gave the charge on Monday while delivering a sermon titled Faithfulness at the 2026/2027 New Legal Year Special Service of the Lagos State Judiciary at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos.

Drawing from Leviticus 19:15, the bishop urged members of the legal profession not to oppress the poor or favour the wealthy, stressing that justice should be administered fairly regardless of a person’s social status or financial position.

He warned judges and lawyers against allowing wealth, influence, personal interests or connections to interfere with their professional responsibilities.

Odedeji said judicial offices, legal briefs and the confidence of clients were trusts that carried significant responsibilities, noting that decisions made within the justice system could affect people’s liberty, property, reputation and, in some cases, their lives.

He urged legal practitioners to combine professional competence with good character, warning that success achieved without integrity could ultimately amount to failure.

According to him, a lawyer could win a case while losing his conscience if professional success was pursued at the expense of ethical conduct.

The bishop also cautioned judicial officers against using their authority to intimidate, humiliate or dominate others, saying occupying a position of power did not make other people inferior.

He urged judges and lawyers to remain conscious of their accountability and to approach their duties with humility, justice and mercy.

Odedeji further encouraged members of the legal profession not to measure success solely by the positions they attained, but by how faithfully they discharged their responsibilities.

He said positions were temporary, while decisions and legacies could have lasting consequences, urging members of the judiciary and the Bar to remain committed to integrity throughout the new legal year.