Renowned lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi, has accused Nigeria’s judiciary of being complicit in the country’s decline, rather than upholding justice.

Speaking at the Nigeria Leadership Series Discussion organized by the Africa Leadership Group (ALG), Farotimi declared that systemic corruption, judicial failure, and elite manipulation have entrenched Nigeria’s woes.

Addressing the topic “Nigeria: Is There Any Hope?”, he dismissed elections and reforms as ineffective, arguing that the political structure is deliberately designed to sustain oppression.

“You cannot fix Nigeria by voting for people who are part of the problem. The system is rigged in their favour,” he said, advocating for a radical shift through mass action.

Farotimi also criticized the judiciary for allegedly serving the ruling elite rather than delivering justice. “Until the people rise to demand true justice, the courts will continue to serve the highest bidder,” he asserted.

Describing Nigeria as “a crime scene”, he accused the ruling class of looting the country’s wealth while millions suffer in poverty. He further condemned security agencies, calling them “attack dogs for the ruling class” used to silence dissenting voices.

Urging Nigerians to abandon hope in the current system and embrace organized resistance, Farotimi warned that “no people have been freed by simply begging their oppressors.” He called for immediate action, insisting that silence only enables the status quo.

“If you love Nigeria, you cannot remain silent. The time to act is now,” he declared.