Stakeholders Renew Plans to Sustain Late Deji Sasegbon’s Legacy via vLex
Steve Aya
Legal professionals and academics are committed to preserving the legacy of Deji Sasegbon, SAN, by expanding access to his legal publications both physically and digitally. At a recent meeting at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), key stakeholders emphasised the importance of ensuring legal practitioners and students benefit from Sasegbon’s vast legal resources.
The meeting was attended by Professor Abiola Sanni, SAN (Dean, Faculty of Law, UNILAG), Professor Oludayo Amokaye, SAN (Department of Private and Property Law, UNILAG), and Mrs Oge Sasegbon (Team Lead, DSC Publications). Professor John Akintayo, President of the Nigerian Law Teachers Association and Dean of Law at University of Ibadan, also joined online.
Stakeholders stressed the need for easy and fast access to legal resources and pledged their support for an upcoming Zoom demonstration on vLex, a global legal database platform. vLex provides digital access to Sasegbon’s Judicial Dictionary of Nigerian Law (SJD), Sasegbon’s Laws of Nigeria (update to 2024 currently being uploaded), and Nigeria’s Supreme Court Cases, among other resources.
UNILAG’s Commitment to the vLex Initiative
Professor Sanni, SAN gave assurances that UNILAG would support the initiative and encourage law students and Lawyers nationwide, to subscribe to vLex.
Earlier, Mrs Oge Sasegbon donated five sets of Sasegbon’s Judicial Dictionary of Nigerian Law (SJD) to UNILAG. The donation was made possible by an anonymous alumnus sponsor in honour of Deji Sasegbon, SAN. The Dictionary, which Sasegbon had worked on before his passing in 2016, was eventually published in 2019. Described as the first of its kind in Nigeria, SJD comprises seven volumes that interpret legal terms using Nigerian statutes and case law. It aims to rival Black’s Law Dictionary, and is regarded as Nigeria’s most comprehensive legal dictionary.
Mrs Sasegbon reaffirmed her commitment to making the Dictionary widely accessible, and highlighted the financial challenges universities face in acquiring legal publications. She called on philanthropists, to fund vLex subscriptions for universities.
“The Nigerian economy has changed, and universities struggle with funding. Digital access is the most efficient solution. I hope that all universities can subscribe to vLex, as part of their curriculum.” She also urged legal professionals and Deans of Law Faculties across Nigeria, to participate in the upcoming Zoom demonstration. Discussions are ongoing with the Nigerian Law School and other stakeholders, to expand adoption.
Tributes to Deji Sasegbon, SAN
During the meeting, Professor Akintayo praised Sasegbon’s contributions to legal education. Professor Sanni, SAN emphasised his enduring impact, stating:
“Deji Sasegbon’s contributions to legal education will never be forgotten. He was an icon in his own right. His work must continue.”
Professor Amokaye, SAN also ordered a copy of SJD, noting its immense educational value.
Sasegbon’s Contributions to Nigerian Law
An alumnus of Obafemi Awolowo University (formerly University of Ife), Deji Sasegbon, SAN was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1980. In 1986, he founded Deji Sasegbon & Co. and later established DSC Publications, a pioneering law publishing firm. His firm became a leader in Nigerian legal publishing, producing 84 volumes covering various aspects of law. He introduced electronic publishing, making Nigerian legal information more accessible.
Recognised for his contributions, Deji Sasegbon was appointed a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2004. He passed away in 2016 after a prolonged illness.
Conclusion
Stakeholders remain dedicated to sustaining Sasegbon’s legacy, by expanding access to his works via vLex. The upcoming Zoom demonstration will showcase vLex’s capabilities, encouraging universities and Lawyers to embrace digital legal research. This initiative ensures that Deji Sasegbon’s invaluable contributions to Nigerian legal education and practice, remain accessible for future generations.
