Professor demands rewriting of Nigerian Constitution

The Federal Republic of Nigeria’s Constitution should be rewritten in straightforward English, according to Professor John Oluwole Akintayo of the Faculty of Law at the University of Ibadan in Ibadan, South-West Nigeria.

The call was made by Professor Akintayo in his inaugural lecture, “The Lawful Use of Law,” which he gave at the University of Ibadan on behalf of the Faculty of Law.
The use of straightforward language in legislation ought to be promoted, he added. The study of customary law needs more research. States should start capturing Customary Law at the local level, starting with the ward, and create a restatement at the state level.

The inaugural lecturer suggested that to ensure its continued relevance and to ensure that the solemn document stands to inspire confidence in the people it is to govern, the constitutional document should be periodically reviewed by a body of technical experts in the broader context of social justice.

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The issue of justice permeates all forms of adjudication, but because of its propensity to have a multiplier effect, Professor Akintayo said he emphasizes its significance in constitutional adjudication. He also noted that once people lose trust in the constitution, it is almost impossible for them to regain it.

He stated that since the courts are required to administer impartial justice to all parties involved in legal disputes, whether they are private citizens, government officials, or institutions, it is crucial that the proper infrastructure be put in place to ensure that impartial justice is administered in these proceedings.

Professor Akintayo added that the legislature must be motivated by the spirit of the constitution in order to advance justice by passing legislation that will enhance the welfare of common people and other marginalized groups in society.

He argued that ignoring existential issues could drive people to the brink, at which point violent change might be unavoidable.

Judges and attorneys, who are the custodians and dispensers of justice, must be aware of their enormous obligations to uphold, defend, and uphold the law as well as their sacred duty to always dress the law in justice, according to Akintayo.

Professor Akintayo contends that in order to ensure that elected officials and other public servants uphold the law, citizens must keep an eye on them.

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“Professionals of all disciplines, intellectuals of all learning, as well as credible politicians of all persuasions, both inside and outside of government, must see their privileged position in terms of access to wealth and/or knowledge as imposing a bounden duty on them to use their best efforts to make the law honorable and to seek its overhaul or modification where it has become a vehicle of injustice and has outlived its relevance,” Professor Akintayo affirmed.