Nigeria's Problems Rooted in Societal Disorder, Says Former LASU VC
Former LASU Vice-Chancellor Olanrewaju Fagbohun attributed Nigeria's socio-political and economic challenges to societal disorder rather than institutional issues during the Alao Aka-Bashorun lecture organized by the NBA Ikeja branch.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
The former Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU), Olanrewaju Fagbohun, has attributed Nigeria's significant socio-political and economic challenges to societal disorder rather than institutional flaws. Speaking at the Alao Aka-Bashorun lecture, organized by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ikeja branch, Fagbohun emphasized the pervasive moral disengagement and lack of accountability among Nigerians.
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Fagbohun, a Professor of Environmental Law, highlighted the tendency of individuals to criticize others while neglecting their own responsibilities. He stressed that for Nigeria to progress, every citizen must consistently adhere to ethical standards and the rule of law. He noted that the prevalent corruption and rule violations in political governance reflect broader societal issues.
The lecture, part of the NBA Ikeja branch's 2024 Law Week, focused on "Public Governance in Troubled Times: Safeguarding the Rule of Law in Nigeria." Fagbohun called for a collective effort to uphold ethical standards across all sectors, including the judiciary. He argued that a robust and effective judiciary is crucial for Nigeria's development.
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Fagbohun also lauded the NBA Ikeja branch for honoring the late Alao Aka-Bashorun, a distinguished lawyer and activist. He praised Aka-Bashorun's legacy, which continues to inspire the legal community and beyond.
Justice Abiola Soladoye, from the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court in Ikeja, chaired the event. She echoed Fagbohun's concerns about the declining adherence to the rule of law and called for a return to discipline and ethical standards in the judiciary. She also urged lawyers, particularly women and younger professionals, to maintain decorum and professionalism.
Segun Aka-Bashorun, the son of the late honoree, expressed gratitude for the annual lecture, emphasizing the need for contentment and ethical conduct in political governance. He advocated for local government autonomy as a means to achieve meaningful grassroots development.
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The event underscored the importance of collective responsibility and ethical behavior in addressing Nigeria's challenges, calling for a renewed commitment to the rule of law and societal values.
