In a recent interview on Symfoni TV, constitutional lawyer Aloy Ejimakor reflected on historical precedents to explain why highly political cases can have consequences far beyond the courtroom. Drawing from Nigeria’s past, he warned that when justice is perceived as unfair or overwhelmed by political pressure, the outcome can trigger widespread unrest and deepen national divisions.
According to Ejimakor, “When Awolowo was convicted in the 1960s, it led to Operation Wetie; houses burned, people died,” a reference he used to illustrate how judicial decisions in politically charged cases can spark instability. He recalled that the conviction of Chief Obafemi Awolowo was followed by violence in the Western Region, where social order collapsed and lives and property were lost.
Ejimakor explained that his comparison was not intended to attack the judiciary, but to show that courts sometimes find themselves handling cases that are larger than legal reasoning alone. He argued that matters involving national identity, political power, or deep-seated grievances often require political dialogue alongside legal processes to prevent escalation.
Relating the lesson to contemporary Nigeria, Ejimakor said the state must be cautious in handling sensitive cases, especially those that resonate strongly with particular regions or groups. He stressed that the weight of the state and aggressive prosecution can place undue strain on the justice system, increasing the risk of outcomes that the public may view as unjust.
He concluded by urging leaders to learn from history, noting that peace, unity, and stability are better preserved when dialogue, fairness, and inclusion are prioritized over rigid approaches that may inflame tensions rather than resolve them.
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