In this enlightening conversation, Lehlé Baldé sits down with Justice Mobolanle Okikiolu-Ighile, a trailblazer in Nigeria’s legal landscape, whose career spans decades of dedication to justice, integrity, and public service. From her role as the Director of Public Prosecutions to her recent appointment as Chairman of Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission by Governor Sanwo-Olu, Justice Okikiolu-Ighile’s unwavering commitment to the legal profession has made a lasting impact. In this interview, she reflects on her experiences, challenges, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Join us as we explore her remarkable journey and hear her insights on leadership, resilience, and the future of the Nigerian judiciary.

Lehlé: Your career has been truly remarkable. Can you take us through your journey within the Nigerian judiciary system and highlight some pivotal moments that shaped your rise to prominence?

Justice Mobolanle Okikiolu-Ighile: It’s been a long, fulfilling journey, with its fair share of challenges and rewarding experiences. I began my career at the Lagos State Ministry of Justice in Ikeja during my National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year in 1981-1982. That was when I first began attending court proceedings independently. Interestingly, I didn’t participate in the community development service (CDS) program because I was so engrossed in court activities that I was granted special permission to focus solely on that.

I had the privilege of working alongside several distinguished individuals, many of whom have passed. I started as a People’s State Counsel and steadily rose. Eventually, I transitioned into legislative drafting, where I spent 13 years drafting laws for Lagos State. By the time I reached Level 15, I was fortunate enough to head the department, a rare accomplishment since department heads are typically appointed from Level 17.

In 1989, I moved to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), starting as a State Counsel and eventually delving into law reform. This was during the onset of the democratic government in 1999, which brought a host of fresh opportunities. I was appointed Director of Citizens’ Rights, the first department of its kind in Nigeria. Under my leadership, we established several groundbreaking units, including the Office of the Public Defender and the Citizens’ Mediation Center.

One of the most defining moments of my career came when I worked on the case of Safiya, a widow sentenced to death under Sharia law for adultery, even though she had no living husband. We collaborated with an NGO, led by Biola Kiyode, to prevent her from being stoned to death. Through our advocacy, Safiya and her child were granted asylum by the Italian government, allowing them to leave Nigeria.

As the Director of Public Prosecutions from 2002 to 2008, I was involved in several high-profile cases. One of the most notable was the case of Reverend King, who was convicted of the murder of several church members. He had sentenced them to death for alleged fornication, dousing them in petrol, resulting in one fatality. His death sentence was upheld by the Supreme Court, and justice prevailed.

Lehlé: Your work demonstrates a deep passion for human rights. Where does this drive stem from? Were you always someone who stood up for others growing up?

Justice Mobolanle Okikiolu-Ighile: Human rights advocacy has always been close to my heart. I grew up in a university community, which exposed me to the realities beyond the protected environment of the campus. Although we lived in a relatively privileged environment with staff members like cooks and stewards, I soon became aware of the disparities around us.

My parents instilled in me the values of giving and empathy. They would often bring people into our home, especially during the holidays, and provide for those in need, even if they were not directly related to us. Sometimes, it would be 15 to 20 people staying with us at a time. We helped them with education, trade skills, and general support. These experiences shaped my worldview and solidified my belief in standing up for those less fortunate.

As a child, I was often the one urging my parents to give money to those in need when we went into town. I’ve always had a deep sense of justice and compassion for people who are suffering or disadvantaged. For me, standing up for others, especially when they don’t even know they have a right to advocate for themselves, feels like the natural thing to do. It’s who I am, it’s in my DNA.

In my view, one can fight for their rights without resorting to violence. There are always peaceful ways to address injustice, and that’s a principle I’ve carried throughout my career.

Lehlé: At what point in your life did you decide to study law?

Justice Mobolanle Okikiolu-Ighile: Well, everything about me has a story, like every other person. I wanted to be a lawyer when I was in Form 2. It all started because of a lady who is like a mother to me now, Chief Mrs. Folake Solanke. She lives in Ibadan.

At that time, she was the First Lady Commissioner in Nigeria, and she happened to be a lawyer. She came to my school, St. Anne’s School in Ibadan, which is the first girls’ school in Nigeria, to give a career talk. We were all gathered, even though I was in Form 2, and I didn’t quite grasp what she was saying about careers. I’ll be honest, I didn’t fully understand. I was captivated by her presence. She was dressed so elegantly, and the way she carried herself left an indelible impression on me. I was so struck by how well put-together she was and the confidence with which she spoke. That image of her, dressed in her lawyer’s wig and gown, stuck with me.

I still remember that day, and I would later say that God agreed with my decision, because I ended up pursuing law.

Lehlé: Your contributions to the Lagos State Law Reform Commission in 1990, particularly in drafting the laws of the state, were significant. How did that experience shape your understanding of legislative reform and governance?

Justice Mobolanle Okikiolu-Ighile: Actually, I was drafted by the Legislative Drafting Department, which was responsible for drafting laws. At the time, we were under military rule, so we had to draft many edicts, which were eventually converted into laws. Lagos State provided me with proper training in legislative drafting. I was trained at the Advanced Institute of Legal Education at the University of Lagos and spent nearly six months at the University of London’s Russell Square, studying advanced legislative drafting.

Law has always been my passion, whether in the criminal section, legislative drafting, or any other area. I’ve always embraced every opportunity and aimed to make a meaningful contribution. One of the values my parents instilled in me was that wherever you find yourself, you must leave your mark. Do your job well, so that when you look back, your efforts are remembered.

At that time, the Law Reform Commission was part of the Ministry of Justice, and I had the honour of working under the late Honourable Justice William Kazeem, a retired Supreme Court Justice. He was a father figure to me, and his knowledge of the law was vast. His leadership shaped much of what we accomplished, and I’m proud to say that our work received commendation from the state government.

Lehlé: You pioneered several groundbreaking initiatives, such as the Office of the Public Defender, the Citizens Mediation Center, and the Directorate for Citizens’ Rights. As a woman, I imagine this came with its unique challenges. How did you overcome these challenges, and what sacrifices were necessary to achieve these milestones?

Justice Mobolanle Okikiolu-Ighile: Being appointed as a director was a unique opportunity. When I first started, there was no precedent to follow, which made the challenge even greater. There was skepticism, especially since people couldn’t believe that the government would freely offer assistance to citizens in need.

The Directorate for Citizens’ Rights, which eventually evolved into the Office of the Public Defender, started with little trust from the public. Many doubted the sincerity of the initiative because they had never seen anything like it before. Our target audience wasn’t like you and me, they couldn’t afford legal fees or even make it to a lawyer’s office.

To reach them, I took the initiative to engage directly with the public. We branded the department and took our services to the markets, Tejuosho, Agege, Ikorodu, and many others. We even sang songs to attract attention. For example, I created a song that went: “Make una come see wetin Tinubu do for us, he put sugar for our tea, he put butter for our bread, this Tinubu na better o…”

We had to meet people where they were, speaking their language and using community leaders to spread the word. It was a tough fight, especially with resistance from lawyers who felt threatened. But, over time, we showed them that this initiative wasn’t a threat to their work, it was about helping those who had been underserved by the system.

The state government was instrumental in funding these initiatives, and we had some sponsors, such as the Ford Foundation, though the majority of the funding came from the state.

Through hard work and collaboration, we managed to gain the trust of the public. Today, the Citizens Mediation Center has grown, and many of the services we introduced now have legal backing, making it easier for people to resolve issues without the need to go to court.

Lehlé: I’m so glad you’re sharing these kinds of stories because I think most people don’t realize just how much the government cares.

Justice Mobolanle Okikiolu-Ighile: The government cares deeply. Not just a little, it cares so much. There are instances when we go out on the streets and encounter women with children begging. We’ve learned that many of these children aren’t even related to them. Sometimes, these women will take their children to caricature daycares, paying to have the kids sit outside while they work. Their families have no idea what’s going on.

Because of the government’s efforts, you won’t see these kinds of situations on the streets anymore. Lagos State has taken many steps to address this issue.

Lehlé: That’s amazing to hear. Considering the immense pressures that come with defending justice, it’s a full-time job. I’m sure it takes a lot of energy. Were there any moments when you faced threats or external pressure? How did you manage to maintain your integrity during those times?

Justice Mobolanle Okikiolu-Ighile: When I was in Citizens’ Rights, I received more accolades than threats. People would often come to my office, and even if they had been fighting over small claims, they left smiling.

When I became the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), it was different. As a prosecutor, you’re not defending, you’re prosecuting. You might not know the families, but they know you. You might be in a bus or a car, and they could approach you, threaten you, or try to harm you.

I remember working on sensitive cases, like the Reverend King case, where I received numerous threats. People would say things like, “Don’t worry, you’ll still worship him.” I would just smile and move on. Some people tried to bribe me to drop cases, but I always refused. It’s important to stay true to yourself, not just for your own sake, but for the sake of the system that put you in that position.

Lehlé: That’s incredibly inspiring, and it shows the power of integrity. It’s clear that maintaining one’s integrity is not easy, but it’s certainly worth it.

Justice Mobolanle Okikiolu-Ighile: Exactly. It’s not always easy, but you have to stay determined. There were times when I had to protect my integrity, because not only did I not want to fail God, but I didn’t want to fail myself or the system I worked for. I could recall when I was just made a judge, and I was in my car with my driver. Someone approached me and mentioned the people I had prosecuted. They knew me as the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and tried to intimidate me. But I didn’t let that deter me.

You’ll always have people who blame you, whether you’re the judge or the prosecutor. But if you know you’ve done your job right, you can hold your head high.

Lehlé: Thank you for sharing that. It’s a powerful reminder that we can all stand firm in our principles, even in the face of adversity. Moving on to your role in the Ministry of Justice, you were involved in fostering many initiatives, such as the Lagos Multi-Door Courthouse. Can you tell us more about that and where you see the future of the legal profession today?

Justice Mobolanle Okikiolu-Ighile: The legal profession is timeless. It’s been around before us and will continue long after us. However, I do pray that the integrity of the profession will live on. When I first became a lawyer, I looked up to lawyers as if they were gods. Judges didn’t attend public events; they were revered.

The legal profession, like every other, has suffered some setbacks. It’s been affected by corruption, which has infiltrated many sectors. But we continue to pray for better days. If we remain steadfast in upholding the integrity of the profession, we’ll overcome.

As for the Lagos Multi-Door Courthouse, it was an initiative that started while I was in the Ministry of Justice. It was introduced by Mr. Kehinde Aina, a mediator I deeply respect. He proposed the idea of a Multi-Door Courthouse to the Ministry of Justice, and I represented the ministry in bringing it to life. The idea was that mediation and arbitration should be explored as alternative forms of dispute resolution before resorting to litigation.

Now, the Multi-Door Courthouse is thriving, and it has inspired other states to adopt similar models. It’s amazing to see how alternative dispute resolution methods are becoming more recognized.

Lehlé: Looking back on your career, is there anything you wish you had done differently?

Justice Mobolanle Okikiolu-Ighile: Honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing. I would still be a lawyer and a judge, and I would still go through the Ministry of Justice because it allows you to learn every aspect of the law. I did try to pursue my Master’s degree, but I couldn’t manage it because of how busy I was.

But overall, I’m happy with my journey. God has been good to me, and I believe I’ve been on the path I was meant to follow. That’s why you always see me smiling.

Lehlé: After such a distinguished career, many would have chosen to rest, but you returned to public service. What motivated you to do that, and how does this new phase of your career differ from your earlier years?

Justice Mobolanle Okikiolu-Ighile: I’ve never been one to be idle, even since my younger years. I read a lot, and I’ve come to realize that as you get older, your mind sharpens. At age 60, your brain starts to align properly, so it’s important to keep working, whether it’s public service or something else.

When I retired in 2022, I joined a law firm where I worked alongside other retired judges. We offer consultations, especially in mediation and arbitration. I’ve always kept busy, and I’m passionate about continuing to serve the public.

Lehlé: Your recent appointment by Governor Sanwo-Olu is another major milestone. Congratulations! Could you tell us a bit about that role and what new ideas or innovations you’re bringing to this position?

Justice Mobolanle Okikiolu-Ighile: Thank you. Appointments like these aren’t something you apply for, they come because your work speaks for itself. I was honoured and grateful when I was appointed in July 2024 as Chairman of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), and I returned from my holiday to take up the role.

I see this appointment as a call to service, and I don’t take it lightly. The previous election cycle ended in 2021, and the next one will be in 2025. During that period, there was a lack of leadership, and we’re now working hard to get back on track. We’ve already started our work, and we’re determined to make a difference.

Lagos State is a large, complex place with over 15,000 polling units. It’s a huge responsibility, but we’re doing everything we can to ensure a smooth process.

Lehlé – After retiring from a very illustrious career, many would have opted to rest. What motivated you to return to public service? And how does this new phase of your career differ from your earlier years?

Well, sincerely, since when I’ve been young, I’ve never been idle. And secondly, I read a lot. And when you read, you find out that when you’re over 60, at age 60, that’s when your brain indeed starts aligning so well and so properly.

If when you were growing up and you were working, you work along with your body, when I mean your body, you exercise, you eat good food, you do this, you do that, then you have to work along with your brain.

Working with the brain is not just when you’re a judge or when you’re a doctor, you’re working, you’re working so hard. You can’t work so hard at that tempo and just drop it. It’s dangerous.

You must have something to do. It need not be public service. And I didn’t just come into public service because I was, I am a partner. Immediately, after I finished, I retired in 2022, July. And I traveled, came back for holidays.

I love holidays. I like traveling with my children. So, I came back, I joined a law firm and we’re four retired judges of the high court. One of us is a retired chief judge. So, I joined and we did a consultation.

So, we’ve been doing that, consultation. And most of the time, you know, the same mediation, we find out that they consult with us if they have matters. Some are in court, and some maybe they want to know whether they should go to court.

So, we do that. So, I’ve always been working. Yes.

Lehlé: Finally, what advice would you give to young women aspiring to make a difference in the Nigerian judiciary? And who were your role models?

Justice Mobolanle Okikiolu-Ighile: The times are different now. Today’s young people are more self-inspired, and they know what they want to do. It’s important to be true to yourself. I always tell young people that if you’re not happy in your job, ask yourself where you can be happy. That’s where you’ll make a difference.

It’s not everyone who will find their calling in the judiciary, but whatever you choose to do, make sure you give it your best. If you want to sell sand, do it in a way that makes a difference. Everyone can contribute to society in their own way.

I have two daughters. One became a doctor, and the other pursued law, but with a different path in mind. She used law as a stepping stone for what she truly wanted to do. Be honest with yourself about your passions.

And lastly, always remember the importance of integrity. Money is not everything. A good name and staying true to your values will take you further than anything else.

Lehlé: Justice Mobolanle Abidemi Okikolu-Ighile, thank you so much for your time.

Justice Mobolanle Okikiolu-Ighile: The pleasure is mine. Thank you for having me.