As of 1999, 88% of judges in Lagos were reportedly notoriously corrupt – Yemi Osinbajo

In a striking revelation during the 2nd Inaugural Lecture of the Pastor Taiwo Odukoya Memorial Lecture, Former Vice President of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, discussed the alarming state of corruption within the Lagos judiciary. Reflecting on his tenure as Attorney General and commissioner for justice of Lagos state in 1999-2007, Osinbajo stated that a staggering 88% of judges in the state were implicated in corrupt activities.

The event, which took place on Saturday June 14th at The Fountain Of Life Church Ilupeju Lagos, featured a question-and-answer session where Osinbajo shared insights into the challenges faced in the judicial system and the implications of corruption on governance and public trust. His comments struck a chord with attendees, many of whom expressed concern over the integrity of legal institutions in Nigeria.

Osinbajo’s remarks were particularly poignant, as he recounted efforts made during his time in office to combat corruption within the judiciary. “The judiciary is the bedrock of our democracy, and when it is compromised, the entire system suffers,” he emphasized. His comments reflect a broader concern about the impact of judicial corruption on Nigeria’s socio-economic development and the rule of law.

The former Vice President’s candid acknowledgment of the corruption crisis in Lagos’ judicial system has reignited conversations about the need for comprehensive reforms. Legal experts and civil society organizations have long called for measures to enhance transparency and accountability in the judiciary to restore public confidence.

Audience members, including legal practitioners and students, engaged Osinbajo in a lively discussion following his lecture, seeking solutions to the persistent issues of judicial corruption. Many highlighted the importance of ethical training and the establishment of independent oversight bodies to monitor judicial conduct.

The Pastor Taiwo Odukoya Memorial Lecture aims to honor the legacy of the late pastor and advocate for moral and ethical living, making Osinbajo’s comments particularly relevant in the context of the ongoing fight against corruption in Nigeria.

As the nation grapples with various challenges, Osinbajo’s insights serve as a call to action for stakeholders at all levels to prioritize integrity within the judiciary. The hope is that through collective efforts, the judicial system can be reformed to ensure justice and fairness for all Nigerians.