From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin.
Former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Kwara State, Titus Ashaolu (SAN), has called on Nigerians to uphold the integrity of the judiciary by respecting court judgments, warning that disobedience to judicial rulings could undermine the country’s democratic system.
Speaking with journalists in Ilorin, Ashaolu, decried the growing disregard for court orders, describing it as a dangerous trend that could weaken the rule of law.
“Flagrant disobedience to court judgments poses a great risk to our judiciary and democracy. If court orders are not obeyed, it will lead to chaos and a breakdown of law and order,” he said.
He also cautioned the judiciary against issuing contradictory judgments on the same matter from different courts, stressing that such inconsistencies create confusion and erode public confidence in the legal system.
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Ashaolu urged legal practitioners to properly guide their clients on the appropriate steps to take when dissatisfied with a court ruling.
“Litigants who feel aggrieved should seek redress through an appeal rather than disregarding judgments. Disobedience to court orders is a serious offence that must not be encouraged,” he added.
He further emphasised the need for courts to deliver clear and unambiguous rulings to prevent misinterpretation.
“Judgments should be explicit and straightforward to ensure they are not twisted or wrongly interpreted to serve personal interests,” he said.
Ashaolu also warned lawyers against manipulating court rulings in favor of their clients, urging them to uphold the principles of justice.
“A lawyer should not be swayed by a client’s interest to the point of distorting legal interpretations. The judiciary is the last hope of the common man, and we must protect it from ridicule at all times,” he stated.
He appealed to Nigerians to accord the judiciary the respect it deserves to sustain democracy and the rule of law.
