By Olalekan Awojodu, Abuja
A lawyer and Human rights activist, Chief Malcolm Omirhobo staged a little drama during a proceeding at the Supreme Court in Abuja on Thursday.
Omirhobo, a Delta State born human rights activist and constitutional lawyer appeared in an unusual attire when he matched his lawyer robe with feathers on his wig while other traditional apparels were hanging all over his body and clothings.
Though peaceful in his protest all through the sitting, the activist who tied red wrapper around his waist also had cowries and amulets hanging all over his body. His unusual outfit for a court outing temporarily disrupted the Thursday proceedings as all eyes were on him. Some went as far as leaving their seats to catch a glance and also snapped him.
Apparently embarrassed by the sight, the judges had to rise and resumed back to the chamber about five minutes after they commenced siting.
Although our Correspondent cannot immediately ascertained reasons for the judges action but as soon as they left, the activist lawyer also stepped out of the courtroom.
With cameras and newsmen on him, the protesting lawyer was accosted by a team of journalists to explain why he dressed the way he did.
Omirhobo told newsmen that he is an ‘Olookun’ devotee ‘River goddess’ and that his outfit was against the backdrop of the recent verdict of the Supreme Court which legalized the wearing of hijab to schools and public places in Nigeria.
Speaking further, Omirhobo said,
” I am very grateful to the Supreme Court for taken a resounding decision that promotes section 38 of the 1999 constitution. “Henceforth, this is how I would be dressing as I am an adherer to the Olookun river goddess injunctions.
“The decision stresses d importance of Section 38 of the 1999 constitution that says all religions are free to wear their religious costume in schools and public space.
“After all, Nigeria is a multi religious country. So anyone that tries to stop me from dressing like this is infringing on my constitutional rights,”
On whether students can also wear the same traditional costume, he answered in the affirmative, saying it would be discriminatory for teachers or anyone to stop or harass my children for instance if they choose to dress like this. Not even a policeman that can stop them.
“The pronouncement of the apex court is that we can bring religion into the public space and I have just demonstrated same by joining this proceeding dressed as an olokun devotee,” Omirhobo stated further.
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