•Retracts Petitions
In an unprecedented turn of events, a prominent senior lawyer, Chief Abdullahi Tony Dania, has formally and unconditionally apologised to two judges of the Lagos division of the Federal High Court; Justice Akintayo Aluko and Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa.
The apology comes after Dania had, on separate occasions, filed petitions against the jurists over rulings that went against his clients.
Chief Dania’s comprehensive apology was conveyed in a letter titled "Formal and Unconditional Apology," with copies extended to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, the Admin Judge, and the Deputy Chief Registrar (DCR) of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos.
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In his letter, Dania admitted that his decision to file the petitions was driven by "emotion and passion," rather than the pursuit of other available legal avenues.
He candidly acknowledged learning a valuable lesson from his actions and earnestly sought forgiveness.
"Though, I have humbled myself and apologised to my Lord in the open Court for my conduct, which was informed by emotion and passion, whereas I ought to have exploited other legal options, I also want to formalise my apology to my Lord," parts of the apology letter read.
Dania further admitted, "Though I actually withdrew my formal complaint, the letter of withdrawal was not referred to, when my Lord was vindicated.
“I admit that my action was wrong. I thank my Lord for accepting my apologies, for the prayers, and for pronouncing that I have been forgiven.
“I also use this instant medium to further apologise to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court."
He underscored the importance of his formal communication by deliberately copying senior judicial officers, stating, "I deliberately copied this instant letter to the Honourable Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, the Admin Judge of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos and the Deputy Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos."
Reflecting on his position, Dania added, "Though I am a relatively senior counsel, we are all humans; nobody is infallible. But I have learnt my lessons."
This formal written apology follows an earlier, public display of remorse by Chief Dania.
He had previously made an appearance in the courtrooms of both Justice Aluko and Justice Lewis-Allagoa to openly express his regret for writing the petitions.
"My Lord, I have come to apologise for my action, by writing a petition to NJC against my Lord, though I have written a letter to that effect," Dania stated during his in-court apology.
He attributed his actions to allowing "anger to this court" and expressed profound regret, pleading with the judges to find it in their hearts to forgive him.
"My Lord, I have come humbly to say I am very, very sorry for my action," he stated.
Chief Dania was not alone in his show of contrition. Several of his colleagues and friends joined him in apologising to the judges, underscoring the gravity of the situation and a collective respect for the judicial institution.
Chief A. B. Ezele, Chief Chidi Adukwu (SAN), Barrister Morufu Animashaun, and Barrister Ogala of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (ForceCID) Annexe Alagbon-Ikoyi all extended their apologies.
Chief Ezele spoke on behalf of Dania, stating, "I want to apologise on behalf of my friend. I plead with my Lord to forgive him. I am sure, such a thing will not happen again."
Similarly, Chief Adukwu (SAN) joined in apologising to the court.
Barrister Animashaun and Barrister Ogala, representing the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), also joined in apologising to the court.
In their reactions, both Justice Aluko and Justice Lewis-Allagoa graciously accepted Chief Dania's apologies, signifying a resolution to the matter.
Justice Aluko, specifically, expressed his appreciation for Dania's gesture, remarking, "This is highly commendable. I appreciate it, I have no grudges against you."
The judge further offered a broader perspective to Dania and other lawyers present, emphasising the nature of their profession: "Judges must get a petition, and if they are running from a petition, they should just resign."
Justice Aluko also affirmed his commitment to avoiding detrimental actions against others, stating, "I had vowed not to sit down somewhere holding a meeting on running down someone, 'I promise not to do so'."
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