Prominent lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi, has strongly criticized Nigeria’s judiciary, accusing it of enabling the country’s decline rather than upholding justice.
Speaking at the Nigeria Leadership Series Discussion organized by the Africa Leadership Group (ALG), Farotimi emphasized that truth, justice, and institutional reform are the only viable paths to Nigeria’s recovery.
While addressing the theme “Nigeria: Is There Any Hope?”, he painted a bleak picture of a nation trapped in systemic corruption, judicial inefficiency, and elite dominance.
According to him, electoral processes and superficial reforms will not resolve Nigeria’s problems because the political system is deliberately structured to perpetuate oppression.
“You cannot fix Nigeria by electing the same individuals who benefit from the system. The structure is designed to work in their favor. True change can only come when the people take control of their own destiny,” he asserted.
Farotimi accused the judiciary of failing the Nigerian people by serving the interests of the ruling elite rather than ensuring justice.
“Until Nigerians rise to demand true justice, the courts will continue to favor the highest bidder,” he remarked.
The activist did not hold back in his criticism of the country’s governance, alleging that the ruling class has plundered national resources while leaving millions in hardship.
“Nigeria is not a country; it is a crime scene,” he declared.
He also condemned the nation’s security agencies, accusing them of acting as enforcers for the political elite rather than protecting ordinary citizens.
“That is why they use the police, DSS, and military to suppress voices like mine,” he stated.
Farotimi urged Nigerians to abandon their reliance on the existing political system and instead embrace organized, mass resistance. He argued that throughout history, true liberation has never been granted willingly by oppressors.
“No oppressed people have ever gained freedom by simply pleading with their oppressors. You must demand it and be prepared to fight for it,” he said.
He further warned that the Nigerian state thrives on fear, intimidation, and violence, but its dominance would collapse once the people awaken to their power.
“If you love Nigeria, you cannot afford to stay silent. The time for sitting on the fence is over. The moment to act is now,” he declared.