Renowned human rights lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi, has sparked debate by asserting that the Nigerian judiciary functioned with greater integrity under military regimes than it does under the current democratic dispensation.
In a statement released on Sunday, Farotimi argued that the judiciary has suffered a significant decline in institutional standing, suggesting that the courts have lost the respect and moral authority they once commanded.
Reflecting on the era of military rule, Farotimi acknowledged that successive regimes frequently disregarded court orders and utilized “ouster clauses” to shield their actions from legal scrutiny. However, he maintained that despite those severe executive pressures, the judiciary remained “worthy of the name.”
“When our judiciary was worthy of the name, in the heyday of the military bandits that ruled Nigeria, the rulers routinely ignored court orders and ruled with ouster clauses,” Farotimi stated.
In contrast, the activist described the contemporary judiciary as largely complicit, asserting that the current system is hindered by what he termed a “corrupt mandate.” He implied that while military rulers were overt in their disregard for the rule of law, the current crisis involves a deeper compromise of judicial independence.
Farotimi, a consistent voice for institutional reform in Nigeria, has frequently raised concerns regarding the erosion of democratic institutions and the weakening of the rule of law. His latest commentary reflects a growing frustration among some legal practitioners regarding the state of the nation’s justice system.
The statement has drawn significant attention on social media, reigniting discussions about judicial autonomy and the integrity of the bench in Nigeria’s current political climate.
