Nigeria At 65: Judiciary Has Progressed Despite Challenges — Ige Asemudara

By Henry Ubus

As Nigeria marks her 65th Independence Anniversary, Lagos-based legal analyst and human rights activist, Barr. Ige Asemudara Esq., has described the nation’s judiciary as one of the most resilient and enduring institutions in the country’s history despite numerous challenges.

Asemudara, who is the Founder of Mission Against Injustice in Nigeria (MAIN), made this known while reflecting on the evolution and performance of the judiciary over the past six decades. He commended the institution for producing some of Africa’s finest legal minds who have served the cause of justice both within and beyond Nigeria’s borders.

He recalled that within these 65 years, the judiciary had stood firm as a bastion of hope and courage, especially during the dark era of military dictatorship when it struck down draconian decrees and upheld fundamental human rights. According to him, landmark judgments such as Omoboriowo vs. Ajasin and Awolowo vs. Shagari remain testament to the judiciary’s historic role in defending democracy and justice.

Asemudara further lauded the contributions of Nigerian judges who have strengthened judicial systems in other African nations such as Botswana, Tanzania, and The Gambia, helping to promote the rule of law and institutional integrity across the continent.

However, the legal expert expressed concern over what he termed a “general national decline” over the last 15 years, noting that the judiciary has not been immune. He attributed the regression to weak leadership across various sectors, saying, “When the head is sick, the whole body suffers.”

While commending the National Judicial Council (NJC) for its continuous efforts in sanitizing the system and disciplining erring judges, Asemudura rated the judiciary’s performance at 80 percent, reserving the remaining 20 percent for challenges such as conflicting judgments, corruption allegations, and political interference.

He also acknowledged recent progress in infrastructure and digitization, including the construction of modern court complexes nationwide and the adoption of virtual court sessions and e-filing systems. Despite these advancements, he lamented the heavy workload of judges.

“The judiciary is overstressed,” Asemudara said. “You walk into a courtroom and see over 50 cases listed for a single day — judges are not machines. Fewer than 5,000 judges serve a population of over 200 million Nigerians.”

He therefore called for urgent reforms in the areas of judicial appointments, welfare, and working conditions, alongside genuine financial autonomy for the judiciary. According to him, “Judicial independence cannot be achieved as long as the judiciary remains financially dependent on the executive.”

“The judiciary should have the power to build, furnish, and manage the courts, manage its own affairs without running to governors or the presidency for approvals,” he emphasized.

Asemudara concluded by expressing optimism that with sustained reforms and true autonomy, the Nigerian judiciary would continue to serve as a pillar of justice, democracy, and national stability.

He also charged lawyers to be more disciplined and proactive, noting that they play a pivotal role in strengthening the system. “Lawyers need to be alive to their responsibilities to the courts, to the state, and to our profession. If we all get to work, the Nigerian judiciary will be the beautiful bride of all, and Nigeria will be better for it,” he said.