From the Court

Day my lateness attracts judge’s fury – Kuranga

 

Olawale Kuranga had his first Degree in Law from Ahmadu Bello
University, Zaria, Kaduna State between 1991 and 1997. On September
28, 1999, he was called to the Nigeria Bar. He began active practice
as an associate with Tunji Arosanyin & Co. in Ilorin, Kwara State in
2001. Kuranga shares with our Judiciary Correspondent, KAYODE ADEOTI,
his unforgettable moment in court. Excerpts:
My most eventful experience so far was when I was just few months old
at the Bar, then, I’ve not had real personal encounter with judges
because I was still serving at Enugu.
What actually happened was that, I was late to court and lacked
experience of how cases are called at the Appeal Court which affected
me. I thought that cases will be called based on seniority as it is
done at the High Court. Most of the time at the Federal High Court,
Enugu then, I will be the first to enter the court but the last to
leave, my case will be called last because I was a young wig. Senior
lawyers are always accorded the regards of having their cases attended
to first. At the Court of Appeal, the game is different. As at the
time I got to the court, my case had been called because it was the
first on the list. I also forgot to write my name on lawyers’ list.
When I discovered that if I don’t act smart and announce my
appearance, I might end up not being recognised. So, I stood up and
announced my appearance, the presiding judge got furious, looked at me
embarrassingly and started drilling me with questions, he asked, ‘how
old are you at the Bar ‘I was five months, I’m sorry’, I replied.
Though, judge’s reaction made me sad but I was taught never to be late
to court again.

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