A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr Layi Babatunde, has called for stricter, ethical discipline, consistency in judicial decision-making, and stronger institutional safeguards to protect citizens’ rights.
He warned that rising financial interests and procedural abuses are eroding confidence in Nigeria’s justice system.
Babatunde made the call at the monthly meeting and knowledge-sharing session of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja Branch, held at the Bar Centre in Ikeja, where legal practitioners examined pressing challenges confronting justice administration.
He expressed concern over procedural irregularities, particularly the premature submission of position papers in court processes, noting that such practices could undermine thorough adjudication and weaken the quality of justice delivery.
According to him, consistency in the application of legal principles remains critical to preserving public confidence in the judiciary.
He urged courts to rely on established precedents, especially pronouncements of the Supreme Court, warning that unjustified deviation in similar cases could erode trust in the system.
On fairness, Babatunde insisted that justice must prioritise equity over individual or sectional interests.
He cautioned that when legal practitioners or litigants pursue financial gain at the expense of justice, the entire legal system becomes compromised.
Responding to observations by the Chairman of the NBA Ikeja Branch, Mr Adeniyi Quadri, and questions asked by the members, the senior lawyer stressed that judicial decisions must be anchored on properly verified facts and credible legal expectations rather than speculative or hurried filings.
“We must be careful not to allow financial considerations to override the essence of justice,” he said, adding that the responsibility of lawyers extends beyond winning cases to upholding the integrity of the legal process.
The SAN also criticised the practice of leaving cases unresolved or indefinitely suspended, describing it as detrimental to litigants and contrary to the principles of fair hearing.
He urged judicial authorities to ensure that matters are diligently concluded and not abandoned midway due to extraneous influences.
Highlighting the need for accountability, Babatunde warned against endorsing or signing off on unresolved matters, noting that such actions could institutionalise injustice and deepen ethical lapses within the profession.
Beyond procedural concerns, he underscored the critical roles of both the state and the judiciary in safeguarding citizens’ rights.
He, however, warned that any distortion in their authority or independence could have far-reaching consequences, including injustice and breakdown of social order.
The law report publisher noted that effective protection of rights depends not only on the machinery of the state but also on the integrity and autonomy of the courts, stressing that compromise in either institution often leads to erosion of public trust.
The senior lawyer also examined the intersection of law, society and religion, highlighting the enduring influence of moral frameworks such as the Bible in shaping societal values.
However, he cautioned against blind reliance on authority, urging legal practitioners to balance faith with critical reasoning, accountability and adherence to the rule of law.
On dispute resolution, Babatunde argued that justice must be evidence-based and rooted in fairness and due process, rather than mere verbal assertions.
He expressed concern that the voices of ordinary citizens are often overlooked, calling for a more inclusive system that responds to people’s needs.
He further decried the growing tendency of litigants to relitigate issues already settled by the Supreme Court, warning that such practices waste judicial time and weaken the authority of the apex court.
He urged lawyers to learn from precedent and avoid repeating legal missteps.
Babatunde also emphasised the importance of collaboration among stakeholders, noting that collective responsibility within the legal community is essential to addressing systemic challenges and strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
In his remarks, Mr Quadri commended the Knowledge Sharing Committee, led by Mr Kola Peters and Mrs Adejoke Layi-Babatunde, for organising what he described as a timely and relevant programme that aligned with the evolving demands of legal practice.
Earlier, Mr Peters expressed appreciation to Babatunde for what he described as a robust and educative session, noting that the engagement provided valuable insights for practitioners navigating contemporary challenges in the justice system.
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