Renowned lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi, has declared that Nigeria’s judiciary has become an accomplice in the country’s downfall, rather than a pillar of justice.
Speaking at the Nigeria Leadership Series Discussion organized by the Africa Leadership Group (ALG), Farotimi stated that truth, justice, and institutional reform are the only pathways to the nation’s redemption.
Addressing the topic “Nigeria: Is There Any Hope?”, Farotimi painted a grim picture of a country entrenched in systemic corruption, judicial failure, and elite manipulation.
He argued that elections and reforms cannot fix the country, as the political structure is deliberately designed to sustain oppression.
His words: “You cannot fix Nigeria by voting for people who are part of the problem. The system is rigged in their favour. Only a radical shift where the people rise and take control of their destiny can bring true change.”
Farotimi stressed that Nigeria’s legal system has failed its citizens, serving the interests of the ruling elite rather than upholding justice.
“The judiciary has failed Nigeria. Until the people rise to demand true justice, the courts will continue to serve the highest bidder,” he said.
The outspoken activist did not hold back in his criticism of the nation’s governance, accusing the ruling class of looting the country’s wealth while leaving millions in poverty.
“Nigeria is not a country. It is a crime scene,” he declared.
Farotimi also criticized Nigeria’s security agencies, labelling them as “attack dogs for the ruling class”, used to silence dissenting voices rather than protect the people.
“That is why they use the police, DSS, and the military to suppress voices like mine,” he said.
Farotimi urged Nigerians to abandon hope in the current political system and instead embrace mass, organized resistance.
He argued that history shows that real change has never been handed to the oppressed on a platter.
His words: “Throughout history, no people have been freed by simply begging their oppressors. You must demand your freedom and be ready to fight for it.”
He further warned that the Nigerian state thrives on fear, intimidation, and brutality, but that its reign would end the moment the people wake up.
“If you love Nigeria, you cannot remain silent. The time for sitting on the fence is over. The time to act is now,” he stated.