Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has criticised the Supreme Court of Nigeria for what he described as inconsistent rulings and an excessive focus on technicalities over substantive justice.
Osinbajo, a Professor of Law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), made the remarks on Thursday in Ilorin, Kwara State, during the second Prof. Yusuf Ali Annual Lecture organised by the Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete.
He said Nigeria’s justice system requires a comprehensive overhaul to better serve the public and deliver fair outcomes based on the merits of each case, rather than on procedural technicalities.
“Our justice system must evolve to reflect the realities of our society and the expectations of our people,” Osinbajo said. “When courts focus more on procedure than justice, confidence in the judiciary erodes.”
The former vice president noted that the country’s legal system often allows cases to drag on for years, causing frustration among litigants and delaying access to justice. He stressed the need for reforms that promote efficiency, transparency, and public trust in judicial decisions.
Osinbajo also urged legal practitioners and policymakers to prioritise reforms that make justice delivery people-centred and results-driven. According to him, laws and court procedures should serve the ends of justice, not obstruct them.
The lecture series, named after legal scholar Prof. Yusuf Ali, focuses on strengthening Nigeria’s legal and governance systems through academic and professional dialogue.
