Former Nigerian Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), has expressed deep concern over the decline of Nigeria’s judicial system, attributing it to widespread corruption, ethical violations, and compromised integrity.
Speaking at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Yenagoa Branch, 2025 Law Week Plenary Session, themed “Setting The Pace: Law, Leadership and Transformational Development,” Osinbajo lamented the rampant stories of lawyers facilitating bribes to judicial officers, which have severely damaged the perception of the justice system.
“The legal profession is crumbling under the weight of corruption, ethical violation and poor standings. Stories of counsel acting as conduit for the giving of bribes to judicial officers are rife. The perception that our system of justice is corrupt and the bar and bench are culpable is enough damage,” he stated.
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Addressing the sub-theme “The Legal Profession: A Vision for a New Era,” Osinbajo emphasized the legal profession’s need to adapt to the rapid advancements in technology and globalization.
“Our profession needs a new vision, a new set of tools in a new era and that is so whether we like it or not. We are in a vastly different era,” he said.
He highlighted the threat posed by technology, noting that many legal tasks can now be performed more efficiently and accurately by automated systems.
“Technology is fast replacing basic legal analysis and opinion writing, a big part of our cake has been bitten off by technology and more will be bitten off very soon and very quickly,” Osinbajo warned.
He advocated for an enhanced legal training curriculum that incorporates legal technology and AI, enabling students to critically assess inputs from AI tools like ChatGPT.3
Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, who declared the plenary session open, acknowledged the threat AI poses to employment but reaffirmed his government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and judicial independence.4
“We will always continue to work in the rule of law where justice will prevail and where justice will be served in an impartial manner and form,” Diri said. He also emphasized the pivotal role of lawyers in safeguarding justice. “If not for you I will not be standing here today as Governor of Bayelsa State.”
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