Renowned lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi, has condemned Nigeria’s judiciary, accusing it of being complicit in the country’s decline rather than upholding justice.
Speaking at the Nigeria Leadership Series Discussion hosted by the Africa Leadership Group (ALG), Farotimi stressed that only truth, justice, and institutional reforms can rescue Nigeria from its current state.
During his address on the theme “Nigeria: Is There Any Hope?”, he painted a grim picture of a nation trapped in deep-rooted corruption, judicial inefficiency, and elite control.
He argued that elections and policy adjustments alone cannot fix Nigeria, as the current political structure is intentionally designed to favor the ruling class while suppressing the masses.
“You cannot change Nigeria by electing the same individuals who benefit from its flaws. The system is structured to serve them. Real change will only happen when the people take charge of their future,” he asserted.
Farotimi further criticized the judiciary, stating that it has failed the Nigerian people by serving the powerful instead of delivering justice.
“Unless Nigerians rise to demand real justice, the courts will continue to favor those with wealth and influence,” he warned.
He did not hold back in his condemnation of the country’s leadership, accusing politicians of mismanaging resources while leaving citizens in hardship.
“Nigeria is not just a country; it has become a crime scene,” he declared.
Farotimi also took aim at security agencies, alleging that they function as tools for suppressing opposition rather than protecting the people.
“This is why the police, DSS, and military are often deployed to silence voices like mine,” he stated.
Calling for collective action, he urged Nigerians to stop relying on the current political system and instead embrace organized resistance. He emphasized that throughout history, true liberation has never been granted voluntarily by oppressors.
“No people have ever been freed simply by pleading with their oppressors. Freedom must be demanded and fought for,” he said.
He concluded by warning that the Nigerian state thrives on fear and oppression but will collapse once the citizens rise against it.
“If you truly care about Nigeria, silence is not an option. The time for inaction is over—the time to act is now,” he declared.