Justice Oludotun Adebola Adefope-Okojie, a retired Appeal Court Judge, has warned that a dysfunctional judiciary deters investment and stifles economic growth. Speaking at a recent legal conference, the former Justice of the Court of Appeal, who retired in May 2023, emphasized that no investor will risk capital in a country where the legal system is unreliable, corrupt, or inefficient.
Justice Adefope-Okojie, who served in the Lagos Division, highlighted that a robust judiciary is essential for economic prosperity. “Investors seek certainty—enforceable contracts, protected property rights, and fair dispute resolution,” she stated.
A compromised judiciary, marked by delays, political interference, or corruption, erodes trust, driving investors to jurisdictions with stronger legal frameworks. She pointed to nations with independent and efficient judiciaries, noting their success in attracting significant foreign direct investment, while countries with failing systems suffer capital flight and economic stagnation.
Drawing from her extensive legal career, which began with her call to the Nigerian Bar in 1976 and included earning an LL.M from the University of London, Justice Adefope-Okojie urged urgent judicial reforms. She advocated for measures like arbitration to reduce case backlogs and called for greater judicial independence and accountability. “A judiciary that cannot deliver timely and impartial justice is a national liability,” she declared, pressing policymakers and citizens to demand systemic change.
Her remarks, echoed from her valedictory speech in 2023, serve as a powerful call to action. Justice Adefope-Okojie’s critique underscores the need for a transparent, efficient judiciary to restore investor confidence and unlock economic potential. Without reforms, the nation risks continued economic isolation, missing opportunities for growth and development. Her words challenge leaders to prioritize justice system improvements to secure a prosperous future.
