Nigerian human rights lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has praised the Nigerian judiciary for demonstrating courage and independence in the face of political and institutional pressures.
This follows two landmark judgments delivered in Enugu and Anambra states.
He made the commendation in a statement titled, “Wednesday Musings: When Justice Refuses to Bow—Two Landmark Judgments, Eight Years of Waiting, and a Resounding Triumph of the Rule of Law,”
Ejiofor described the rulings as a reaffirmation of the judiciary’s role as the last hope of the common man and a reminder that justice remains alive when judges uphold the law without fear or favour.
He emphasized that history ultimately favours those who defend justice rather than those who merely accommodate power, urging judicial officers across the country to continue discharging their duties with integrity and independence.
According to him, recent events have reinforced his belief that Nigeria still has judges who understand that justice is not a privilege but a constitutional right owed to every citizen.
Ejiofor recounted how his involvement in one of the cases began in late 2022 when a determined visitor arrived at his Abuja office seeking legal representation.
The visitor, High Chief Dr. Christian Okwudili Akpata, narrated his struggle to secure recognition as the duly selected Igwe-Elect of Akama-Oghe Town in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
Akpata had allegedly been chosen by his community through due process, but powerful interests within the town union leadership sought to impose another candidate on the community.
The senior lawyer disclosed that Akpata informed him that no fewer than eight lawyers had previously handled the matter without achieving any significant progress.
“After reviewing the case and ensuring all professional obligations to previous counsel had been settled, our legal team accepted the brief, amended relevant court processes, and pursued the matter diligently.
Fruitfulness finally
“The efforts yielded results on Wednesday when the High Court of Enugu State delivered judgment in the long-running dispute.”
According to Ejiofor, Justice E. M. Egumgbe upheld the selection and election of High Chief Akpata as the duly elected and lawful DimEze IV of Akama-Oghe.
This brought to an end nearly eight years of legal battles marked by delays, uncertainty and political intrigues.
He described the judgment as thorough, well-reasoned and legally sound, noting that it underscored the enduring strength of the judicial process.
“Justice may sometimes move slowly, but when delivered by courageous judges, it arrives with authority and finality,” he stated.
Ejiofor commended Justice Egumgbe for what he called his unwavering commitment to the rule of law and his readiness to dispense justice regardless of whose interests may be affected.
The human rights lawyer also revealed that while the judgment was being delivered in Enugu, another significant ruling was handed down by Justice C. C. Okaa of the High Court of Anambra State sitting in Onitsha.
The court ruled in favour of Rotech Group, an estate development company represented by his chambers, by nullifying the revocation of the company’s Certificate of Occupancy by the state government.
The court also awarded damages against the government for what was deemed an unlawful exercise of executive authority.
Ejiofor described the coincidence of both victories on the same day as symbolic and significant.
The lawyer stressed that democracy survives not because governments possess power but because courts are willing to enforce constitutional limits on that power.
Fearless judicial officers
He maintained that the judgments demonstrate that Nigeria still possesses judicial officers prepared to defend constitutional principles and protect citizens from arbitrary actions.
The lawyer called on Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, to facilitate the implementation of the Akama-Oghe judgment by ensuring the formal recognition of High Chief Akpata and the presentation of his Certificate of Office.
According to him, the community has been deprived of the benefits of a duly recognized traditional institution for nearly eight years, making it imperative for the government to bring the matter to a close.
Reflecting on the broader significance of the rulings, Ejiofor said the judgments stand as monuments to judicial courage, intellectual diligence and fidelity to the judicial oath.
He urged judges across the federation to remain steadfast in protecting justice, insisting that courts must continue to serve as temples of justice rather than theatres of influence.
“Today, Enugu spoke. Today, Anambra spoke. More importantly, justice spoke. And when justice speaks with courage, the nation listens,” he declared.
