Malcolm E. Omirhobo, a lawyer and activist, returned to standard barrister clothing on Wednesday after causing controversy last Friday by entering the courtroom wearing a lawyer's wig, gown, and Olokun religious gear.
On Wednesday morning, Omirhobo showed up at the Federal High Court in Lagos wearing the whole wig, gown, bip, black pants, and shoes.
He claimed that "the spirit" instructed him to "go normal," and he added that if necessary, he would don his religious gear once more.
Omirhobo responded to questions from journalists by saying, "I'm directed by the spirit to go normal today. So, today is typical. Don't be surprised if you see me going the other way tomorrow.
The lawyer laughed when asked if "the spirit" was in line with dress code and professional ethics.
What ethics are you referring to, he asked? Are you disparaging my faith? Avoid trying it and don't disparage my religion. You are insulting the Supreme Court by claiming that the constitution states that I must wear in accordance with my religious garb. Act properly.
“And for those who have got case against me, please come to my shrine.”
On June 23, the human rights attorney made a scene by showing up before the Supreme Court in Abuja while dressed in his religious garb.
Omirhobo entered the courtroom barefoot and before the day's proceedings had even begun. He rolled up his black pants to his knee and put a red wrapper on top.
Additionally, a gourd was attached to his neck with a scarlet cloth. His wig had a feather on it.
Omirhobo asserted that he was a traditionalist and that his choice was supported by the Supreme Court's decision that Muslim pupils may wear the hijab in Lagos schools.
Omirhobo's action seems to have given other attorneys more confidence. Another lawyer, Dennis Ezekiel, showed up at the Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday while sporting a rosary around his neck.Following the hijab verdict, he said that he was exercising his right to religious freedom.
Dennis Ezekiel is my name, Mr. Ezekiel said. I'm a Catholic and a practising Christian, and by acting this way in court, I'm declaring my faith. It is a constitutional right that has been established by the Supreme Court in its ruling and is stated in Section 38 of the Constitution (on hijab). Therefore, we are free to practise our faith as we like without interference from the government.
