There was a mild drama at the Supreme Court on Thursday when a human rights lawyer, Malcolm Omoirhobo, wore an African traditional worshippers’ attire to the court’s proceedings.
The dressing was topped with the kind of cowries that some people link with traditional charms.
Omoirhobo, however, did not go to the apex court to harm or scare anyone.
Rather, according to him, he was out to express his fundamental human right as it pertains to his traditional religion.
It was his own interpretation of last week’s declaration by the Supreme Court, which on Friday, June 17, 2022, granted the use of hijab by female Muslim students in government-owned schools in Lagos.
The Court issued its judgement following an appeal – Lagos State Govt. and Ors V. Asiyat AbdulKareem with suit number SC/910/16.
He said, “I am very grateful to the Supreme Court just last week Friday they made a very resounding decision that promotes Section 38 of the constitution. That is our right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion.
“That we are free to express our way of worship in our schools and in our courts. That decision was reached on Friday and that has encouraged me.
“Because I am a traditionalist and this is the way I worship. Based on the decision of the Supreme Court this is how I will be dressing henceforth in court because I am a strong adherent to ‘Olokun’, the god of rivers.”
It is not clear yet whether or not the attire will be a permanent feature on him.
His action, however, shows that the future of religious assertiveness in Nigeria promises more surprises and dramas.
