In a recent episode of the Mic on Podcast, Nigeria’s judiciary was placed under intense scrutiny by Dele Farotimi, a prominent Nigerian lawyer known for his forthright opinions. The discussion, hosted by Seun Okinbaloye, came at a crucial time as Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun assumes the role of Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria.
Farotimi raised serious concerns about the ability of the judiciary to administer justice, bluntly stating that the system is
“institutionally incapable of delivering justice because the system has not been set up to deliver justice.”
The lawyer did not hold back in his critique, describing the judiciary as “a reflection of the society that we have managed to build – debased, debauched, completely acculturated to abnormalities. It doesn’t deliver any justice.” Farotimi further condemned what he views as widespread nepotism within the judiciary, citing the recent appointments within the family of retired Chief Justice Olukayode Ariwoola as evidence of “egregious abuse of the judicial code of conduct.”
Meanwhile, Farotimi also addressed the 2023 presidential election, in which he expressed strong support for Labour Party candidate Peter Obi. He alleged that Obi was the rightful winner, asserting,
“Peter Obi did not lose the last (2023 presidential) election. He won, but the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the judiciary performed their magic.”
He therefore issued a stark warning about the future of Nigeria, emphasizing the need for significant reform. “We need a drastic and urgent radical turnaround. The only thing that will save Nigeria is to have a revolution of our minds and then, our systems.”
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