They were both born in London, UK, but their names are written in gold in Nigeria, especially in Lagos. They made history in Lagos when the two daughters of a Lagosian and former Judge in the state, late Justice James Williams, handed over the baton of leading the state’s judiciary to each other. Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) formally swore in Justice Funmilayo Atilade as the 15th Chief Judge of Lagos State at the age of 62 on August 20, 2014 to succeed her elder sister, Justice Ayotunde Philips, who was sworn in on June 14, 2012 and bowed out on July 26, 2014 following her attainment of the statutory retirement age of 65. She left the office too after clocking 65 in September 2017. Since their retirement from the judiciary, they have both also continued to play important roles in public service, just as they have been touching lives in their private lives.
Justice Phillips is the Chairperson of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC). Three days back, she clocked 73. Her younger sister, Justice Funmilayo Atilade will be 70 in September.
