Day I incurred judges wrath over colleague’s deception
Imuetinyan Victoria Ogiemwonyi graduated from Delta State University in 2007, he proceeded to Law School in 2008 and was called to the Nigerian bar in 2009. She was posted to A.U Yusuf Chambers in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital for her NYSC but later redeployed to Kayode Olatoke & Co. After her service, she had a brief stint with Tunde Falona & Co. before she subsequently returned to Olatoke’s chambers. Ogiemwonyi however shares with our Judiciary Correspondent, KAYODE ADEOTI her unforgettable day in the legal practice. Excerpts:
Hun! my ugly moment in the legal practise happened a long time ago but it’s still fresh in my mind as if it was yesterday.
It was a day to remember at the appeal court. On this fateful day, I went for a judgment of one of my cases. Before I entered the court, I met a senior colleague, I didn’t know him so well and that day, he wasn’t properly dressed as a lawyer. Then, he approached me to help him hold a brief, he told me the counsel handling the matter is indisposed. Unknown to me, he was lying because he later turned out to be the owner of the brief.
After my case was heard, court mentioned his and I stood up to announce my appearance. I informed the court that I’m sorry for the absence of the colleague who could not come to court for his matter because he is indisposed.
Then the judge replied, ‘counsel, are you sure of what you’re telling the court that the lawyer whose brief you’re holding is indisposed? I replied in affirmative. Immediately, the judge called the name of the lawyer and asked him to stand up. Lo and behold, he answered and stood up. I was shocked. In a bid to persuade the judge that I didn’t do it intentionally, he became infuriated saying why will I choice to lie. He said I just began law practise and I was lying, he further threatened that he will report me to the disciplinary committee and at this point, I was already crying, begging him to pardon me, some seniors in the court also begged him on my behalf. I cannot forget that moment ever because I was highly embarrassed.
