Court delays make justice costly, inaccessible — Adekunle, SAN

Court delays in Nigeria continue to undermine justice delivery, making legal services costly and inaccessible for ordinary citizens. The most pressing issue, according to Mrs Olamide Adekunle, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, is delay, which drives up costs and weakens access to justice. Adekunle emphasizes that every adjournment is billed in professional time and the litigant's lost working days, while also corroding the litigant's chances of securing a favorable outcome or even pursuing a claim.

The criminal justice system faces similar challenges, with many persons awaiting trial in custodial facilities.

To make legal services more affordable and accessible, the existing frameworks for legal aid and pro bono work need greater publicity. Many citizens are unaware of the assistance available to them. Adekunle also outlines several judicial reforms that could improve justice delivery, strengthen the rule of law, and boost economic development.

These include giving real effect to financial autonomy for state Houses of Assembly and the judiciary, ensuring courts obey orders promptly, decongesting the apex court by making the Court of Appeal's decisions final in certain cases, and establishing specialized commercial divisions with fixed disposal timelines for contract and debt claims.

Adekunle's journey to becoming the youngest female Senior Advocate of Nigeria at 40 was marked by long hours, heavy workload, and mental fortitude. She views this achievement as a reward for her sacrifice, hard work, and time spent away from her family. However, she acknowledges the responsibility that comes with the privilege of holding this rank, particularly in mentoring younger lawyers, especially female lawyers.

Adekunle stresses the importance of working harder, choosing one's environment and the people one spends time with, and networking with individuals who have the best interests at heart.