By Tajudeen Babamale and Abubakar Abdulquadri
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has commended the institution’s Faculty of Law for sustaining the annual Hon. Justice M. M. A. Akanbi Public Lecture, describing it as a valuable academic tradition that continues to enrich legal education in the University.
Prof. Egbewole, who made the remarks last Thursday (December 18, 2025) while speaking at the 2025 edition of the lecture, held at the Faculty of Law Moot Court, described the late Justice Akanbi as a jurist of uncommon honour and integrity, whose exemplary life and career justified the decision of the Faculty to institutionalise an annual public lecture in his memory.
The Vice Chancellor said that he was proud to be associated with the programme, which he described as a signature event of the Faculty of Law. He expressed appreciation to the Faculty for its consistency in sustaining the lecture over the years, noting that such programmes play a critical role in preserving institutional memory and celebrating role models within the legal profession.
Prof. Egbewole explained that Justice Akanbi was deliberately chosen as the personality to be honoured through the lecture because of his well-known reputation for integrity, discipline and ethical conduct on the bench, saying, these qualities remain timeless values that the legal profession must continue to uphold.
According to him, the annual public lecture provides a unique platform for students and young scholars to learn directly from the experiences, insights and wisdom of seasoned jurists and legal practitioners as he expressed the hope that students of the Faculty would fully appreciate the opportunity to be exposed to practical perspectives that complement classroom learning.
The Vice Chancellor challenged members of the University community, particularly students, to reflect on the question of legacy, asking how they would be remembered when they are no longer on the planet. He stressed that programmes such as the Hon. Justice M. M. Akanbi Public Lecture serve as reminders that character, service and integrity ultimately define how individuals are remembered.
In a lecture titled “Federal vs State Security Powers: The Role of the Judiciary in Resolving Security-Related Jurisdictional Conflicts”, Hon. Justice Semiu Oloyede Oyediran of the High Court of Justice, Ibadan, highlighted the pivotal role of the judiciary in resolving security-related jurisdictional disputes between federal and state authorities.
The Judge commended the judiciary for courageously navigating complex legal challenges, noting that it has largely fulfilled its mandate in adjudicating matters that have significant implications for national security and the rule of law.
While observing that there remains room for improvement, Justice Oyediran pointed out that the courage and independence of the judiciary must be more consistently demonstrated to ensure that adjudication is both effective and credible.
He stressed that judges must be equipped to confront emerging and rapidly evolving security threats, including cybercrime, technological surveillance, terrorism, and sophisticated international criminal networks.
According to him, the judiciary must continually adapt to the changing security landscape to protect the rights of citizens while upholding national stability.
While saying that judicial independence is essential for delivering fearless and impartial judgments, he added that, governments at all levels have a responsibility to respect and implement judicial decisions. He said that without this, the rule of law cannot be maintained.
Earlier in a welcome address, the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Prof. Bashiru Adeniyi Omipidan, stated that the lecture provided an opportunity to critically examine the foundation of Nigerian federalism, particularly the adequacy of its legal and institutional framework in addressing societal needs, including security.
Prof. Omipidan commended Justice Oyediran for his insights, noting that the lecture offered valuable guidance for understanding complex security challenges and the judiciary’s central role in mediating conflicts between federal and state powers.
Supporting the discourse, the Chairperson of the occasion, Hon. Justice Fatima Folorunsho AbdulRazaq, advocated the implementation of state policing as a measure to address rising insecurity, reflecting ongoing debates about the best mechanisms for ensuring public safety in Nigeria.
Justice Sulyman Akanbi, who spoke on behalf of the family of the late Justice Mustapha Akanbi, appreciated the University management, the Faculty of Law, and friends for their support. He also encouraged students to emulate the virtues of the late Justice, particularly his commitment to integrity, public service, and legal excellence.
