Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, assumed office as the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice amid high expectations and intense public scrutiny following his Senate confirmation and early performance.
A cerebral lawyer of notable reputation, he is widely recognized for his handling of the Rotimi Amaechi governorship case, alongside numerous election litigation victories. He is regarded as one of the ministers expected to deliver strong results.
So far, his tenure has been described as purposeful. He secured a landmark victory at the Supreme Court, ensuring direct funding to local governments and curbing arbitrary interference by state governors. His presentation of the case reflected a depth of subject matter understanding that aligned with the position of the Justices.
Another major achievement under his watch is the upward review of salaries and allowances for judicial officers, which had remained unchanged for over a decade. His leadership has also influenced the Federal Ministry of Justice, where professionalism is increasingly emphasized.
Upon assumption of office, Fagbemi assured Nigerians of his commitment to reviewing the Laws of Nigeria to reflect current socio-economic and political realities. This undertaking is significant, given that the nation’s laws have not been comprehensively reviewed in over two decades. The persistence of outdated laws has been linked to concerns about lawlessness and gaps in governance within the country.
Central to this reform effort is the constitution of a committee made up of leading legal minds to drive the review process. Members include Deji Adekunle, SAN; Sebastian Hon, SAN; Peter Akper, SAN; and Ernest Ojukwu, SAN, with Olawale Fapohunda, SAN, serving as chairman. Fapohunda, a former two-term Attorney-General of Ekiti State, is noted for introducing innovative laws, administrative reforms, and public interest litigation during his tenure, redefining the role of a state attorney-general.
The committee now faces a demanding national assignment, particularly in light of funding challenges. The Federal Ministry of Justice reportedly recorded zero percent cash-backing for capital projects in 2025, a constraint identified as a major obstacle to effective operations.
Fagbemi’s emphasis on systemic reform and leadership under difficult conditions has been noted as significant. However, public expectations remain high, with Nigerians demanding tangible outcomes from public office holders regardless of prevailing challenges.
His legacy is expected to be defined largely by the successful completion of the comprehensive review of Nigerian laws despite financial limitations. With the 2027 presidential elections approaching, time remains a critical factor in achieving this objective.
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