Omirobo said the Apex Court legalized the wearing of Hijab in schools and public places in Nigeria, so, he an ‘Olokun’ devotee should also have the right to dress according to his religious dressing
By Onyewuchi Ojinnaka
Chief Barrister Malcolm Omirobo caused another stir at the premises of Federal High Court, Lagos on Monday, June 27, a replica of what he did at the Supreme Court, Abuja when he appeared before the court, dressed in his traditional African religion outfit and put on top his professional dress code of gown and wig.
Chief Barrister Malcolm O. Omirobo who stormed the Federal High Court Lagos, Nigeria, in his traditional ‘Olokun‘ regalia reminiscence of a Native Doctor, walked straight into the courtroom of Justice Tijani Ringim where he was to appear as counsel to a matter before the judge.
As Chief Omirobo was about to enter the court premises, there was a dramatic commotion as the court security tried to stop him but after he identify himself as a lawyer and explained his reason for appearing in such strange attire, the security men allowed him to enter the court premises.
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His appearance on the court premises immediately drew a huge crowd, comprising lawyers, litigants, court officials and journalists. Some people took his picture while others ran after him to catch a glimpse of him while he made his way to a court presided over by Justice Ringim.
When his matter was mentioned, the presiding judge, Justice Tijani Ringim, while querying his mode of appearance, asked him to take a date and address the court to justify his mode of appearance.
At this stage, a Lagos lawyer, Alhaji Abdullai Tony Dania who acted as the friend of the court, opposed his mode of appearance. He submitted the lawyer’s appearance was an attempt to ridicule the legal profession.
In the same vein, two other legal practitioners Festus Afeidyon and Mohammed Adams also opposed Malcolm Omirobo’s appearance in the court with regard to the way and manner he showed up.
Barrister Mohammed Adams urged the court to allow them to submit written submissions in relation to the issue.
Justice Ringim while adjourning till October 10, acceded to the request by Adams
to enable the social critic Lagos lawyer Chief Malcolm Omirobo who appear before the court to come and address the court if the law and legal practice allowed him to appear the way he liked in court.
This was the second time he appeared before the court to register his displeasure over the recent judgment by the Supreme Court which allowed Muslims to wear Hijab to schools in accordance with their religious faith.
Recall that on Thursday, June 23, 2022, he caused a stir at the Supreme Court, Abuja by dressing the same way.
The Delta State indigene and a devotee of ‘Olokun’, added feathers and other African traditional outfits to his robe. His appearance which astonished Justices of the Supreme Court who were sitting at the time made them rise hurriedly and resumed after some time.
When journalists pestered him with questions, the lawyer responded that it was a protest against the Supreme Court’s recent verdict on the Hijab.
He said, “the Apex Court legalized the wearing of Hijab in schools and public places in Nigeria. So, why should I, an ‘Olokun’ devotee not be free to wear my goddess’ attire to court, a public place?” he queried.