Diary of a Naija Lawyer

Diary of a Naija lawyer features a collection of remarkable experiences of Nigerian lawyers. Pull up a seat and enjoy this episode by Onome at the High Court.

My court experience with Onome

I was at the High Court the other day and whilst we were waiting for his Lordship to arrive, I noticed a fellow female learned colleague with her hair all over the place. Instantly I remembered what had happened to a female colleague earlier when she had her hair in cornrows popularly known as “shuku” in Yoruba. And because of the way the hair was wrapped, her hair couldn’t fit in the wig properly.

When she announced her appearance in court His lordship disregarded her and told her to get out of the courtroom before saying another word. The embarrassment on her face was so real that I vowed within myself not to violate the Judge’s rules as regards mode of appearance.

Anyways, knowing that he doesn’t condone improperly packed hair or outrageous hair colours. I tried to warn her beforehand but she was adamant about letting her braided hair loose under the wig. I left her to her fate and went on preparing for my case. Finally, his Lordship arrived and court proceedings began.

Guess what?

The senior counsel she came to court with announced his appearance. However, before the lady could stand to announce hers, his Lordship shunned her and asked her out of the court to appear before him properly before she could announce herself. He also went on to reprimand her senior for overlooking such an act. He then admonished the lawyers in court on the appropriate mode of dressing before the court. In addition, he urged them not to deviate from the standard and turn the courtroom into a circus. 

Watch out for the next episode…

If you would like to share your experience with us, simply click here

lawpavilion

Recent Posts

Third Party Investigations and Six-Year Limit for Tax Assessments

INTRODUCTION The tax investigation involving Lafarge Africa Plc (Lafarge) and the Ogun State Internal Revenue…

1 month ago

Is Workplace Promotion a Privilege or a Right?

CASE TITLE: PHILIP v. ADSU, MUBI & ORS (2025) LPELR-81492(CA)JUDGMENT DATE: 26TH JUNE, 2025JUSTICES: FREDERICK…

1 month ago

Whether a Class of Persons Can Be Defamed; Duty on a Person Within That Class Who Intends to Maintain an Action for Defamation

CASE TITLE: ACCESS BANK PLC v. EDIALE (2025) LPELR-81868(CA) JUDGMENT DATE:  22ND JULY, 2025 PRACTICE…

1 month ago

Whether an Area Court Has Jurisdiction to Distribute the Estate of A Deceased Muslim who Contracted both a Statutory Marriage and an Islamic Marriage

CASE TITLE: ADEKUNLE & ORS v. AHMAD (2025) LPELR-81978(CA) JUDGMENT DATE: 3RD SEPTEMBER, 2025 PRACTICE…

1 month ago

NDP Act 2023 GAID 2025: A Comprehensive Guide to Nigeria’s New Data Protection Landscape

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) On March 20, 2025 issued the Nigeria Data Protection…

1 month ago

Court May Enforce, Not Set Aside, Foreign Award

CASE TITLE: OIL & INDUSTRIAL SERVICES LTD v. HEMPEL PAINTS (SOUTH AFRICA) PTY LTD (2025)…

1 month ago