Following the Supreme Court’s Hijab ruling, human rights lawyer Malcolm Omirhobo has caught the attention of Nigerians, following his decision to appear in court dressed as a traditional worshipper.
He first made his unusual appearance at the Supreme Court where he caught the attention of Nigerians, who took it as a case of comic relief.
But there was no comedy involved when Omirhobo made an appearance at a Federal High Court in Lagos, where Judge Tijani Ringim refused to hear the lawyer’s case after lawyers argued that he couldn’t address the court based on his appearance.
But in his defence, the human rights lawyer stated that the Nigerian constitution gives him the right to appear as he sees fit.
“My Lord, the rules cannot supersede the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Omirhobo said.
In response Judge Ringim replied, “You cannot address the court like this as a professional. I will adjourn your matter and you come and address the court if the rules allow you to appear in court like this,” the judge said.
In reaction to the news of Omirhobo’s rejection at Court, Nigerians took to social media to air their opinions, with some in support of his actions, while others slammed it as a joke taken too far.
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With some calling for the Nigerian Bar Association to commence disciplinary proceedings against Omirhobo.
Here are some reactions gathered by The Quest Times:
Cheerleaders
@Jehoshua247 If his problem is with the supreme court ruling on Hijab, he can also wear hijab. Nobody will stop him.
@ancientmind Follow this closely. This has very deep implications for Nigeria. I like how this lawyer is testing the system.
@AyLonge The judge will have to say if his court has superior power over Supreme Court judgment that no one should be deprived of his/her religious right
@Mezon4 The Judge has no right to do so & needs to be penalised. The Supreme court permits one to dress according to his religion if so wishes.
@iamD_lantern I see a case coming up soon that will overturn that Hijab ruling by the Supreme Court. It is better the judge hear his case or he will purse a case against that judgment.
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Detractors
@MichealOkwegba He should stop this nonsense. He has taken the joke too far. It is becoming irritating. This lawyer should be disciplined by the NBA. They should stop him from disgracing the noble legal profession.
@BabeOmalicha Arrant nonsense. This joke is becoming irrelevant. This lawyer should be disciplined by the NBA.
@Citizen_IQ Man keeps making a fool of himself
@Muhd_86 When a lawyer doesn’t know the difference between school uniform and Legal Robes
@micheal_80538 Nigeria court reject our tradition
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