Former Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo has called for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s legal and judicial philosophy, faulting the persistent tendency of the courts to elevate procedural technicalities above the pursuit of substantive justice.
Osinbajo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Professor of Law, made the call on Thursday in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital,
He argued that the primary objective of any justice system should be to serve the people and uphold fairness, not to celebrate procedural rigidity or technical loopholes.
Citing examples from other jurisdictions, the former Vice President noted that even English courts, from which Nigeria’s legal traditions were inherited, have evolved beyond rigid procedurals by allowing amendments at any stage of proceedings to ensure justice is ultimately served.
He warned that Nigeria’s fixation on outdated technicalities not only hinders the dispensation of justice but also erodes public confidence in the judiciary.