In 1993, Nigeria found itself in one of the most turbulent periods of its political life. The annulment of the 12 June presidential election created nationwide unrest and uncertainty. The election, widely considered the freest and fairest ever conducted in Nigeria up to that time, should have produced a peaceful transition from military rule to democratic governance. Instead, the nation was plunged into confusion.
Following widespread protests and mounting pressure, General Ibrahim Babangida announced that he was stepping aside. In an attempt to stabilise the country, he established the Interim National Government, a temporary administration led by Chief Ernest Shonekan. Its legitimacy, however, was questioned from the moment it was formed.
Amid the uncertainty, a challenge was brought before the Lagos High Court. At the centre of that case stood Justice Dolapo Akinsanya.
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The Historic 10 November 1993 Ruling
Justice Akinsanya delivered one of the most consequential rulings of the era. After reviewing the arguments and examining the legal framework behind the Interim National Government, she declared that the arrangement was illegal, unconstitutional and null.
Her judgment rested on a clear point of law. General Babangida had handed over power when he stepped aside. Therefore, she ruled that he no longer possessed the authority to issue a decree legalising the Interim National Government. Since the decree establishing the interim administration lacked lawful backing, the entire government was invalid.
This decision did not, and did not claim to, proclaim any individual as the rightful president. However, it removed the legal foundation upon which the Interim National Government stood. Within one week of her ruling, the interim administration collapsed.
On 17 November 1993, Chief Ernest Shonekan resigned after being summoned by Defence Secretary General Sani Abacha. Abacha subsequently assumed control of the government.
Justice Akinsanya’s ruling became a reference point in discussions about judicial courage and constitutional integrity in times of national crisis.
Justice Dolapo Akinsanya’s Judicial Record
Public information about Justice Akinsanya’s early life is limited, but her professional reputation is well documented. She served as a judge of the Lagos High Court and was widely regarded as a firm and principled jurist. Colleagues remembered her for her straightforward approach to the law and her resistance to political pressure.
Her career reflected a belief that the judiciary should serve as a stabilising force in society. She demonstrated this conviction most clearly through the 1993 ruling that placed constitutional legitimacy above political expediency.
By the time of her passing, she was recognised as a retired judge whose contributions had made an enduring impact on the country’s legal and democratic development.
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Passing and Public Tribute
Justice Dolapo Akinsanya passed away in early November 2020 at the age of seventy nine. Her death prompted tributes from across the legal and civic community. Many remembered her as a woman of courage, integrity and devotion to the rule of law.
Though her personal life remained outside public attention, her work inside the courtroom is what secured her place in Nigeria’s history. She left behind an example of judicial independence during a challenging period for the nation.
A Legacy of Judicial Courage
Justice Akinsanya’s role in 1993 continues to be highlighted in discussions of Nigeria’s democratic journey. Her ruling demonstrated that the courts could still assert their constitutional authority even under military influence. It illustrated the power of the judiciary to insist on legality, especially when political decisions threatened to override due process.
The courage she displayed remains an important reminder of the responsibility that judges bear in upholding the law. Her name is frequently mentioned when reflecting on moments where legal reasoning played a crucial part in shaping the nation’s direction.
Author’s Note
Justice Dolapo Akinsanya’s story highlights a moment when the rule of law stood firm during one of Nigeria’s most uncertain political periods. Her ruling against the Interim National Government did more than resolve a legal question, it demonstrated that judicial integrity can influence national direction even in challenging circumstances. Her life reminds us that a single act of courage, rooted in constitutional truth, can echo far beyond the courtroom and shape a country’s democratic journey.
References
Nigerian Judiciary archival reports
The Nation, archival reports on the 1993 ruling
Punch Nigeria, reports on the death of Justice Dolapo Akinsanya
Guardian Nigeria, political history reports on the 1993 transition
