Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has cautioned Nigerians against giving political interpretations to judicial proceedings, emphasizing the importance of upholding constitutional objectivity over sentiment.
Fagbemi made the statement at the launch of “Tribulations and Trophies, Bola Ajibola in His Own Words!”—the autobiography of the late former AGF and International Court of Justice judge—held in Lagos on Thursday.
Speaking on recent political tensions, particularly the controversial emergency rule debate in Rivers State, Fagbemi reiterated his stance of neutrality, citing the matter’s pending judicial resolution. He criticized public discourse that distorts legal matters through partisan lenses, urging stakeholders to seek clarity from the law rather than emotion.
“When issues like this come up, people should go and read very well and get themselves familiar with what the law says,” he said. “It’s not a matter of sentiment or emotions, but a matter of basic facts on ground.”
Reflecting on Ajibola’s legacy, Fagbemi praised his reforms and integrity, describing him as a principled reformer who advanced legal systems both in Nigeria and on the global stage. Dignitaries at the event included former President Olusegun Obasanjo, ex-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and former Lagos Governor Babatunde Fashola.
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