At the 2025 Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Aba Branch, renowned legal luminary and former Chairman of the NBA Lagos Branch, Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe, SAN, FCIArb (UK), delivered a powerful and thought-provoking address that captivated legal minds and stakeholders. Speaking on the theme “The Strength of the Judiciary: People’s Confidence—Glory Foretold or Disaster Waiting to Happen?”, Akangbe dissected the state of Nigeria’s judiciary, questioning whether it still stands as the bastion of justice or is teetering on the edge of dysfunction.
In his presentation, Akangbe critically examined the challenges plaguing the judiciary, including corruption, politicised appointments, conflicting precedents, and delayed justice delivery. While acknowledging landmark judicial decisions that have advanced financial autonomy, gender rights, and constitutional freedoms, he warned that without urgent reforms to restore independence and public confidence, the system risks losing its moral and constitutional authority. His address was met with engaged discussion and earned high praise from attendees, as the NBA Aba Branch was lauded for organizing a timely and impactful forum for dialogue on justice and the rule of law.
Read full statement below;
I had the honour of speaking at the NBA Aba Branch Law Week, where I presented a paper on: “The Strength of the Judiciary: People’s Confidence—Glory Foretold or Disaster Waiting to Happen?”- is as bold as it is necessary.
I examined whether the Nigerian judiciary remains a reliable defender of justice or stands on the brink of collapse. While the judiciary is constitutionally designed to serve as the last hope for the common man and a check on executive and legislative excesses, its effectiveness is increasingly questioned due to issues like corruption, politicized appointments, conflicting legal precedents, and delayed justice.While the judiciary has delivered landmark decisions on financial autonomy, gender equality, and constitutional rights and many more which showcase the judiciary’s potential to guide national transformation, urgent reforms are needed to ensure its independence, transparency, and relevance.
Ultimately, the judiciary’s fate whether glory foretold or disaster pending rests on the collective will of judges, legal practitioners, and the Nigerian public to uphold justice and integrity.
My sincere appreciation goes to the NBA Aba Branch for the kind invitation and the warm welcome extended to me throughout the event. It was a deeply engaging session, rigorous in conversation, energising in participation, and timely in theme. I was both challenged and inspired by the depth of discourse, and I commend NBA Aba Branch for curating such a critical and impactful platform for reflection and dialogue.
Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe SAN, FCIArb (UK)
Former Chairman, NBA Lagos Branch
#ElevateTheBar #LOA #CapacityBuilding
