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 the primary purpose of any justice system is to serve the people, unlike that of Nigeria, which according to him, glorifies 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 in Nigeria.
The politician and renowned scholar lamented that courts in Nigeria now prioritise technicalities over the granting of substantive justice.
Osinbajo stated this in his addresss as the guest speaker at the second Prof. Yusuf Ali’s Annual Lecture, which was organised by the Kwara State University (KWASU) in Malete on Thursday, October 9, 2025.
Source: Twitter
According to Osinbajo, the primary purpose of any justice system is to serve the people. He said in Nigeria, however, the justice system glorifies procedural formalities. Osinbajo expressed grave concerns about many court decisions in the country, including those delivered by the Supreme Court, noting that they 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The former vice president submitted that the country has continued to attach itself to outdated technicalities, which undermine its justice and strip the judiciary of public trust.
He 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 earlier reported that Osinbajo reacted to the passing of President Muhammadu Buhari, who died on Sunday, July 13, in London. He described 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.
Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
