In a landmark development this week, the Nigerian Senate has formally confirmed Hon. Justice Joseph Olubunmi Kayode Oyewole, JCA, as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria — a move that marks a significant moment in the nation’s judiciary and legal history. Yet, amid the celebration of his elevation, a broader and surprisingly popular question has emerged online and across social media: Why do Nigerian judges still wear old‑school British‑style wigs and robes in 2026?
Below, you’ll find a comprehensive breakdown of the confirmation news, Justice Oyewole’s background, the cultural and constitutional significance of Nigeria’s Supreme Court attire, and why judicial dress remains a subject of debate in modern Nigeria.
🏛️ Historic Moment: Senate Confirms Justice Joseph Olubunmi Kayode Oyewole
On Tuesday, February 3, 2026, the Senate overwhelmingly confirmed the nomination of Justice Joseph Olubunmi Kayode Oyewole as a Justice of Nigeria’s Supreme Court — the apex court in the Nigerian judiciary.
📌 Constitutional Basis and Process
The confirmation followed a formal recommendation from the National Judicial Council (NJC), which proposed his elevation during its 110th meeting held earlier in January 2026.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu then forwarded Oyewole’s name to the Senate “pursuant to Section 231(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended)” — the provision governing judicial appointments to the Supreme Court.
The Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters screened Justice Oyewole and unanimously adopted its report recommending his confirmation. Senators praised his sterling career, extensive legal experience, and reputation for judicial excellence.
🎓 Career and Legal Credentials
Justice Oyewole brings to the Supreme Court decades of legal and judicial experience:
Born on May 13, 1965, in Ila‑Orangun, Osun State.
Studied law at Obafemi Awolowo University (formerly University of Ife) and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1986 after attending the Nigerian Law School in Lagos.
Served as a Legal Officer during his NYSC year and then in private practice before being appointed a High Court Judge in 2001.
Elevated to the Court of Appeal in 2014, where he served as the Presiding Justice, Enugu Division, prior to this Supreme Court appointment.
With this confirmation, Justice Oyewole officially fills the Southwestern seat left vacant by the retirement of former Chief Justice of Nigeria Olukayode Ariwoola.
⚖️ Nigeria’s Supreme Court: The Pinnacle of Judicial Authority
The Supreme Court of Nigeria is the highest court in the land, and its decisions are final on all matters of law. Its verdicts cannot be appealed, making it pivotal in shaping constitutional interpretation, civil rights, election disputes, and national legal precedent.
The Court’s authority is derived from Chapters of the Constitution, and its justices are expected to exemplify the highest standards of legal acumen and ethical conduct.
👔 Why Do Nigerian Judges Still Wear “Medieval” Robes and Wigs?
One surprising, recurring conversation sparked by Justice Oyewole’s confirmation is about judicial attire — specifically, the traditional wigs and gowns that judges and lawyers in Nigerian superior courts still wear.
🧑⚖️ A Colonial Legacy
Like many former British colonies, Nigeria’s judicial system and courtroom traditions were deeply influenced by English common law and court customs introduced during colonial rule. One of the enduring customs was the wearing of formal gowns and white wigs by judges and barristers — originally designed to convey seriousness, impartiality, and dignity in the courtroom.
The robes themselves are black, full‑length garments that signify the solemn duty of dispensing justice, while the wigs — often made of horsehair — have become a visual shorthand for the legal profession’s heritage and gravity.
🧠 Tradition Vs. Modernity
Despite Nigeria gaining independence in 1960, this British‑style wig and gown tradition persists in many of the country’s superior courts, including the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal.
Critics argue that this attire is outdated and alien to Nigerian culture — a colonial hangover that does not reflect modern realities or indigenous legal identity. They point to movements in other legal systems to abandon such attire in favour of simpler, more context‑relevant dress.
🌍 Global Comparisons: Changing Traditions Abroad
Interestingly, other countries have been rethinking similar traditions. For example, Burkina Faso recently banned colonial‑era wigs and robes for judges and lawyers in court, embracing attire that reflects local culture and identity instead.
Even in the United Kingdom — the origin of these traditions — wigs have been gradually phased out in many courts since the early 2000s, with their use now mostly limited to certain ceremonial occasions or criminal proceedings.
⚖️ Practical Considerations
Beyond questions of symbolism and identity, there are practical considerations:
Climate and Comfort: Nigeria’s tropical climate can make full robes and wigs uncomfortable, especially in older court buildings without modern air conditioning.
Accessibility and Perception: Some legal scholars say that such traditional attire may confuse or intimidate ordinary Nigerians who are unfamiliar with judicial customs, potentially making the legal system seem elitist or inaccessible.
📊 Should Nigeria Reform Judicial Dress? A Growing Debate
The persistence of colonial‑style attire in Nigerian courts has triggered a wider public conversation that goes beyond fashion or aesthetics. Many see this debate as tied to broader questions of judicial reform, cultural identity, and public perception of the judiciary:
Pro‑Tradition View: Supporters argue that robes and wigs symbolize the dignity, impartiality, and continuity of the legal system, connecting Nigerian courts to an established tradition of rule of law.
Critics’ Perspective: Opponents say that the attire is anachronistic, rooted in colonial history, and does not reflect Nigeria’s rich legal culture or contemporary identity.
This discussion parallels similar debates in other African countries and legal systems around the world. As legal norms evolve globally, Nigeria may well face increased pressure to modernize court dress as part of broader judicial reforms.
📌 Conclusion: A Moment of Progress, Yet a Symbol of Tradition
The Senate’s confirmation of Justice Joseph Olubunmi Kayode Oyewole as a Supreme Court Justice is a significant milestone in Nigeria’s judicial landscape — a testament to his legal experience and a boost to the nation’s highest court.
However, the public’s engagement with even seemingly peripheral issues — such as judges’ wigs and robes — shows how deeply cultural traditions intersect with how citizens perceive authority, legitimacy, and national identity.
As Nigeria continues its journey as a democratic republic, discussions about judicial reform — from appointment processes to courtroom attire — are likely to intensify. Whether traditional wigs and robes survive this scrutiny or evolve into a new Nigerian legal identity remains a question worth following.
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