As is customary with legal practitioners, the occasion of the retirement of a respected jurist provides opportunity to publish commemorative books in their honour. This book falls in that genre. It was published to commemorate Justice Omotayo Onalaja’s retirement from the Court of Appeal. The editors, in their editorial overview, submit on their choice of title:  

“The ideals of justice and development are of fundamental importance to all societies in general and to a developing society like ours in particular. Justice simply connotes fair treatment and due reward in accordance with Law and Equity. Justice is the glue that holds society together. A society that is manifestly unjust to its constituents cannot maintain its unity and cohesion for long.”  

It is that commitment to national cohesion anchored on the pursuit of justice and development that underpins this book. In the words of Hon. Justice Mohammed Uwais, former Chief Justice of the Federation: “The editors’ choice of celebrating Hon. Justice Onalaja’s retirement from the Bench is truly remarkable. The erudition and distinction of the contributors are as exceptional as the range and variety of the subjects covered. Both bespeak not only the stature but also the versatility of Hon. Justice Onalaja.” 

Contents: Preface/Foreword/Profile of Hon. Justice Moronkeji Omotayo Onalaja/Table of Cases/Table of Statutes/List of Contributors/Editorial Overview/Safeguarding Judicial Independence under the 1999 Constitution/The Independence of the Judiciary via the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria/Role of Lawyers in an Enduring Democracy/Socio-Economic Rights and sustenance of Democracy/Law and Politics of Impeachment in Nigeria/The Challenges and Prospects of Anti-Corruption Crusade/Security Votes and the Law: The Use, the Misuse and the Abuse/Woman and the Law: The Judicial Approach/The Application of International Law to Develop Domestic Equality Jurisprudence/Fair Hearing: A “Sine Qua Non” for the Attainment of Justice/Civil Procedure Rules in the Magistrates’ Courts/Prospective Perspectives in the Nigerian Law of Sufficient Standing/A Legal and Practical Consideration in the Arrest of Ships/Contractual Obligation: Snare or Bargain?/Success at the Bar/The Future of the Legal Profession in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects/The ‘Bakassi’ Case and the Re-Emergence of Racist Undertones in the I. C. J./Apprendix/Tributes: Chief Mrs. Folake Solanke, SAN/Hairat Balogun, MClarb/O. C. J. Okocha, SAN, J.P./Charles Uwensuyi-Edosomwan, SAN/Gbolahan Gbadamosi/Benson Aderoshin/Index.