There was mild drama at the Supreme Court, Abuja, on Thursday, as a Lagos-based human rights lawyer, Malcom Omoirhobo, stormed the court in full traditional worshippers’ attire to attend proceedings.
Omoirhobo said he dressed to court in that manner to exercise his fundamental human rights following the judgment of the Supreme Court that allowed all Nigerians to express their way of worship and the use of hijab in schools and public places.
Recall that last Friday, the Supreme Court had given approval to female Muslim students to wear hijab to school in Lagos State.
The lawyer, who arrived at the court at about 9:05 am, caused a stir.
Omoirhobo, who gained entry into the court, was barefoot with feathers attached to his lawyer’s wig.
He also wore a gourd on his necklace 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 judgment.
The situation attracted a large crowd who thronged the courtroom to catch a glimpse as people were seen using their mobile phones to take his pictures.
While addressing journalists, the human rights lawyer 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.”
