Youngest Female SAN Calls for Justice System Reforms

Mrs. Olamide Mojigbotoluwa Adekunle, the youngest female Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), identified delays in justice delivery as a primary factor contributing to high litigation costs and restricted access to justice. Speaking as a partner at Afe Babalola & Co., she emphasized the financial burdens prolonged litigation imposes on litigants, often leading them to accept unfavorable settlements or abandon valid claims.

Adekunle noted that each adjournment raises litigation costs due to additional professional time and lost working hours. She expressed concern over the impact of delayed justice on the criminal justice system, highlighting the significant number of awaiting-trial inmates in Nigeria.

While advocating for effective case management and discipline in litigation, she cited election litigation as an example where strict constitutional timelines ensure timely resolutions. Adekunle proposed expanding the categories of cases with final decisions from the Court of Appeal to alleviate the Supreme Court's workload and improve the efficiency of the justice system.