Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Kunle Edun, has issued a powerful reflection on the state of Nigeria’s judiciary and society, in response to retired Justice Oludotun Adefope-Okojie’s recent launch of A Quick Reference Guide to Substantive Law and Procedure at the Shehu Musa Yar’adua Centre.
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Speaking passionately, Edun acknowledged Justice Adefope-Okojie’s decades of experience and her advocacy for judicial reform, describing her words as a powerful expression of “pains bottled up for decades.” However, he respectfully disagreed with the former Court of Appeal judge on one key point: the causes of Nigeria’s judicial and societal problems are widely known.
“Too much corruption is killing the country. Everybody wants to collect his share,” Edun stated. “Everybody wants to bend the rules to favour himself, his relations, or friends. There are many on the bench who ought not to be there. I weep whenever I appear before a judge who lacks basic knowledge of law and practice, yet I still say, ‘as the court pleases.’”
Edun lamented that flawed judgments and unethical practices have contributed to numerous appeals, noting that judges who make such decisions are often later elevated. He added that politicians exploit this dysfunction, frustrating enforcement of judgments and filing frivolous appeals, often with lawyers complicit for personal gain. “Ethics have gone south,” he observed.
Drawing a parallel with global unrest, Edun cited the recent protests in Nepal, sparked by a social media ban, as a cautionary tale for Nigeria. He warned that the country’s youths, struggling under economic hardship, low wages, and limited opportunities, are increasingly seeking alternatives abroad or turning to illicit means. “Patrioticism is at its lowest. The fastest way to wealth is either politics or Yahoo Yahoo,” he said. “Do we still think Nepal cannot happen here?”
Edun stressed the moral burden of lawyers and judges in safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy. He criticized the current erosion of trust in the judiciary, pointing out that citizens now look to the police or even criminals for justice. Lawyers, who occupy key public offices and head major institutions, must bear responsibility for restoring integrity and respect for the rule of law.
Highlighting specific cases of impunity, Edun referenced the continued suspension of Senator Natasha despite the expiration of her six-month term, lamenting looting and political cronyism. He warned that, should Nigerians rise in protest, both lawyers at the bar and on the bench would face scrutiny for their roles in the systemic decay.
Despite the bleak picture, Edun praised Justice Adefope-Okojie for her timely admonitions and wished her a well-deserved retirement. He described her longevity on the bench, under difficult conditions, as a testament to grace and resilience.
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