Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has cautioned that while rulings of the Supreme Court of Nigeria are constitutionally final, they do not automatically guarantee public acceptance or trust.
Speaking at the 2026 conference of the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Legal Practice, Osinbajo stressed that the judiciary must ensure its decisions inspire confidence, especially in electoral disputes. He warned that the court should avoid creating the impression that outcomes are imposed on voters.
He also criticised inconsistencies and disregard for legal precedent in election-related judgments, noting that credibility depends not only on correctness in law but also on transparency, clarity, and consistency in judicial reasoning.
Osinbajo called for reforms to strengthen the judiciary, including improved appointment processes, stricter adherence to precedent, and stronger accountability mechanisms.
Meanwhile, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, urged lawyers to uphold ethical standards while adapting to changes in the legal profession.
She warned against prioritising technical victories over justice, cautioning that such practices risk turning law into mere “transactional advocacy” rather than principled interpretation. According to her, lawyers must balance fair remuneration with conscience, professionalism, and a commitment to justice.
Kekere-Ekun also highlighted the growing influence of technology, including artificial intelligence and globalisation, urging legal practitioners to embrace innovation without compromising ethical values. She emphasised collaboration between the Bench and the Bar to build a more responsive legal system.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu also encouraged lawyers to adopt technology and entrepreneurial thinking to remain competitive globally.
Represented by the state Attorney-General, Lawal Pedro (SAN), Sanwo-Olu described Lagos as Nigeria’s hub of legal innovation and stressed the importance of the NBA conference in shaping the future of legal practice.
Overall, speakers at the conference agreed that the legal profession in Nigeria must evolve with global trends while maintaining ethical integrity and public trust in the justice system.
