Lagos New CJ To Be Sworn In Next Month

History will be in Lagos
State next month when Justice Funmitayo Atilade succeeds her sister Justice Ayotunde Philips as the Chief Judge.
Justice Philips bowed out on attaining the mandatory retirement age of 65.
Justice Philips and Justice Atilade are daughters of the late Justice James Williams, who was a judge in Lagos.
It was learnt that Justice Atilade might be sworn in before the new legal year 2014, which begins in September 2, to mark her first official assignment and outing.
Sources revealed that the incoming Chief Judge would appear before the House of Assembly for screening in a few days. All handing over process we completed last week by Justice Philips.
Justice Atilade will become 15th Chief Judge of Lagos State and the fifth woman to occupy the post. Her female predecessors include Justice Rosaline Omotosho who occupied the office between 1995 and 1996.
She was followed by Justice Ibitola Sotiminu 2001 Bs 2004, Justice Inumidun Akande (2009-2012) and Justice Philips (2012 to 2014).
Justice Atilade was in London  on September 24, 1952. She attended Ladi-Lak Institute in Yaba, Lagos mainland; Anglican Girls Grammars School, Surulere 1965 and 1969 and Queens College, 1970 and 1971.
She proceeded to the University of Lagos in 1972 and graduated in 1975 with a law degree. She passed out of the Nigerian Law School in 1976.
Justice Atitade was state Counsel Federal Ministry of Justice between 1977 and 1979; Principal Legal Officer, Nigerian Ports Authority 1979 to 1981 and a senior magistrate Grade 1 1981 to 1986. She was appointed a judge in 1996.
She became the head judge in 2012, a position her sister occupied before her elevation as Chief.
One of the most professional courses attended by Justice Atilade is Administration of Courts in the United States between June and July 1990.
She is a member of the International Federal of Women Lawyers (FIDA), International Bar Association (IBA) and Ikoyi Club 1938.  Justice Atilade, whose hobbies include travelling aerobics and music, has three children.

apga National Chairman, Chief Victor Umeh (left), and other members of the party in jubilant mood, after the Court of Appeal, Enugu ruled on Anambra State governorship election last Saturday. Photo: NAN