Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has raised fresh concerns over how Nigerians perceive the Supreme Court of Nigeria, warning that its role in electoral disputes must go beyond delivering final judgments to earning public trust.
Speaking at the 2026 conference of the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Legal Practice, Osinbajo stressed that although Supreme Court decisions are constitutionally final, they must also inspire confidence among citizens to sustain democracy.
He cautioned that finality does not automatically mean infallibility in the eyes of the public, especially in politically sensitive election cases.
According to him, the judiciary must avoid any perception of imposing outcomes on voters, noting that inconsistencies and disregard for legal precedent in electoral rulings could weaken public confidence.
Osinbajo argued that judicial credibility depends not only on legal correctness but also on transparency, consistency, and clear reasoning in judgments. He called for reforms including improved judicial appointments, stricter adherence to precedent, and stronger accountability mechanisms.
Meanwhile, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, urged lawyers to uphold ethical standards while adapting to modern legal realities.
Speaking at the same event themed “Evolving Trends: Nigerian Legal Practice, Global Perspectives,” Kekere-Ekun warned against practices driven solely by technicalities rather than justice, saying such trends risk turning the profession into “transactional advocacy.”
She emphasised that lawyers must balance fair remuneration with conscience and professional responsibility, describing their role as both advocates for clients and ministers in the temple of justice.
The CJN highlighted the growing influence of technology, including Artificial Intelligence and cross-border transactions, urging legal practitioners to embrace innovation without compromising ethics.
She also called for stronger collaboration between the Bench and the Bar to build a resilient legal system aligned with global best practices while remaining rooted in Nigeria’s realities.
Also speaking, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu encouraged lawyers to adopt innovation, technology, and entrepreneurial thinking to remain relevant in a rapidly changing global legal environment.
Represented by the state’s Attorney-General, Lawal Pedro (SAN), Sanwo-Olu described Lagos as a hub for legal innovation and praised the NBA-SLP for shaping the future of legal practice in Nigeria.
