Osinbajo Points Accusing Finger at Supreme Court, Reason Emerges
- Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has alleged that Nigeria's court system operates more on technicalities than on the delivery of justice system
- Osinbajo said that the primary purpose of any justice system is to serve the people, and not what we have in Nigeria, which is the glorification of procedural formalities
- The former vice president made the comment while speaking at the second Prof. Yusuf Ali’s Annual Lecture, at the Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, on Thursday, October 9
Yemi Osinbajo, the former vice president of Nigeria, has called for a fundamental restructuring of the legal and judicial philosophy, alleging that the courts now prioritise technicalities over the granting of substantive justice.
The professor of law made the remark while speaking in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, on Thursday, October 9. The former vice president was the guest speaker at the second Prof. Yusuf Ali’s Annual Lecture, which was organised by the Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete.
Source: Twitter
According to Osinbajo, the primary purpose of any justice system is to serve the people, and not what we have in Nigeria, which is the glorification of procedural formalities. Osinbajo expressed grave concerns about many court decisions in the country, including those delivered by the Supreme Court, which are often based on form rather than substance.
Osinbajo calls for overhauling of justice system
According to The Nation, he argued that "even English courts," after which Nigeria tailored its legal system, have moved beyond such rigid technicalities, as they allow continuous amendment at crucial stages to ensure justice is done.
The former vice president argued that the country has continued to attach itself to outdated technicalities, which undermines its justice and strips the judiciary of public trust.
He then called for the adoption of "critical, decolonised thinking" in reforming the "legal education, legal practice, and the administration of justice” in Nigeria. He added that any justice system that glorifies form over substance may lose its effectiveness and relevance in the near future.
His statement reads in part:
“Though the Supreme Court has occasionally adopted a more flexible approach, particularly in electoral matters, inconsistency remains a major concern."
Osinbajo as Buhari's vice president
Osinbajo served as the vice president to the late President Muhammadu Buhari between 2015 and 2023. During the period, Nigeria was confronted with a series of legal battles, including the EndSARS protests, where the military opened fire on unarmed civilians.
During the period, the administration was marred by allegations of abuse of human rights and the violation of court proceedings. This was because there were instances where court proceedings were disrupted, with security operatives making arrests and cases where court judgments were overruled by the security forces.
Source: Twitter
Osinbajo reacts to Buhari's death
Legit.ng also reported that former Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has reacted to the passing of his former boss, President Muhammadu Buhari, who died on Sunday, July 13, in London, describing his legacy as a testament to the nobility of public service.
Prof Osinbajo, who was Nigeria's two-time Vice President, served alongside President Muhammadu Buhari from May 29, 2015, to May 29, 2023.
Source: Legit.ng
