By Gideon Maxwell
September 13, 2025
Former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, has renewed the call for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s judiciary, lamenting the delays in civil litigation which often span decades and erode public confidence in the system.
Speaking at the launch of the 4th Edition of Civil Litigation – A Quick Reference Book of Substantive Law and Procedure authored by Hon. Justice Oludotun Adefope-Okojie (JCA, Rtd, FCIArb) in Abuja, Osinbajo said:
“It is a very sad commentary on our judicial system that cases go slowly through the courts, especially civil cases. In some instances, civil disputes in Nigeria take 20 to 30 years before resolution. That shows we have a human problem that can be solved. It is not a supernatural issue; it can be resolved.”
ALSO READ: Osinbajo hails Doyin Abiola as courageous patriot at memorial in Lagos
The former Vice President praised Justice Adefope-Okojie’s contribution to legal practice, observing that the new edition underlines her commitment to judicial excellence:
“A fourth edition is a tribute to your own dedication, your commitment to legal thought and to practice. This book is particularly important as we address the challenges in our system.”
The event drew an eminent audience of judges, justices, senior advocates, and thought leaders. Notable attendees included Hon. Justice Amina Augie (JSC, Rtd), the Emir of Kano, HRH Muhammadu Sanusi II, the Ogbeni Oja of Ijebu Land, Dr. Sonny Folorunso Kuku, and Mr. Isaiah Bozimo, SAN, who reviewed the book.
In his remarks, the Emir of Kano commended the resource, revealing its personal use in his legal engagements:
“I actually go through the book, look for what I think is relevant, take pictures and send to my lawyers. I have found it extremely educative and enlightening.”
Justice Adefope-Okojie, in her address, warned that Nigeria’s judiciary is “almost comatose” with overwhelming backlogs, a situation that has made the public lose faith in the courts. She urged boldness among judges, protection from the National Judicial Council (NJC), and speedy reforms from both the executive and legislature.
The Abuja gathering not only celebrated a significant legal text but also reignited debate on how Nigeria’s judiciary can be repositioned to deliver swift and fair justice, a cause Osinbajo and other stakeholders insisted must not be delayed further.
