A Lagos based human rights lawyer, Malcom Omoirhobo, Thursday,appeared at the Supreme Court in Abuja, in full traditional attire called ” Olokun ” the god of rivers.
He explained that he dressed to court in that manner in exercising his fundamental human rights sequel to the verdict of the apex court which allowed every Nigerians to express their way of worship and the use of Hijab in schools and public places.
The lawyer who arrived the court at about 9:05am created a scene in the court room when other lawyers who have already seated were taken by surprise to see him robed in
traditional attire thereby making him to look like herbalist.
He gained entry into the court barefooted with feathers attached to his wig.He was also wearing a gourd on his neck laced with cowries and a red wrapper tied around his waist.
He dared the police officers and security guards who approached him to go out saying that he has the right to come to the court in his traditional regalia without any harassment in line with the judgement.
The court proceedings was abruptly stopped when the Presiding Justice suddenly
announced that the would be going for a short break.
Malcom, who later addressed journalists 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 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 Supreme Court this is how I will be dressing henceforth to court because i am a strong adherent to “Olokun” the god of rivers”
Malcom said the implication of the judgement was that every Nigerians including doctors, police, military students and journalists can now wear their mode of worship to public places.
He added that he was not against the judgement rather he was happy with decision because it strengthened and enriched the rights of all Nigerians as stipulated in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.
