BY BILESANMI ABAYOMI
Former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has once again decried the inefficiency and credibility crisis plaguing Nigeria’s judiciary, warning that the system has become a source of ridicule both domestically and internationally.
Speaking at a recent book launch broadcast on SYMFONI TV, Osinbajo recalled a United Kingdom court ruling that described entrusting cases to Nigerian courts as “catastrophic.” He stressed that systemic failures had eroded public confidence and underscored the urgent need for sweeping reforms.
“In Nigeria today, ‘go to court’ has become a mocking response from the political elite, reflecting the perception that judicial outcomes are already predetermined,” he said.
Heated Debate on KosofePost Forum
Osinbajo’s remarks sparked a spirited debate on the KosofePost WhatsApp Channel, where community leaders and commentators shared divergent views.
Omo’ba Rasheed Awofeso lamented that justice had become “cash and carry,” applied differently to the rich and the poor.
Oloye Salami Oluwaseun accused Osinbajo of complicity, arguing that his 16 cumulative years as Attorney-General of Lagos State and later Vice President offered ample room for reform.
In defence, Àare Fatoki Ayobode Kehinde said many of Osinbajo’s ideas died at the tables of superiors who withheld approval, adding that final authority often eluded him.
Aina Oyebanji highlighted Osinbajo’s reforms as Lagos Attorney-General, including measures that improved justice delivery, and recalled his decision to sack the DSS chief for disobeying court orders while serving as Acting President.
Abayomi Bilesanmi (Koko) noted that Osinbajo’s contributions earned him the Judicial Reforms Excellence Award at Eko Hotel in 2022/2023, adding that he consistently raised concerns over the slow pace of justice.
Otunba Dehinde Shonibare urged Nigerians not to dismiss Osinbajo’s warnings, stressing that reform is vital to restore hope for the common man.
Despite the divergent perspectives, contributors agreed on one central point: Nigeria’s judiciary is in dire need of urgent reorganisation.
“Corruption the Root of the Crisis”
In his closing remark, Oloye Salami Oluwaseun argued that corruption remains the biggest obstacle.
“We must kill corruption in our judicial system before any meaningful reform can happen. Unfortunately, lawmakers who should drive change through legislation benefit from the decadence and so they look away,” he said.
The Bigger Picture
Osinbajo’s renewed call for reform comes at a time when many Nigerians increasingly doubt the fairness of their courts. Once hailed as the last hope of the common man, the judiciary is now widely seen as a tool in the hands of the powerful.
Analysts say the real challenge lies not just in introducing reforms, but in ensuring the political will and sincerity needed to enforce them.