A recent opinion article has drawn attention to the remarkable career of Nigerian jurist Justice Emmanuel Fagbenle and a decision he reportedly made during a major political crisis in The Gambia.
The article, published by The Guardian and written by Sola Adeola, recounts how Fagbenle, who served as Chief Justice of The Gambia, was presented with an opportunity to become interim president during the country’s political crisis following the 2016 presidential election.
According to the account, Fagbenle declined the opportunity, choosing instead to allow the democratic process to take its course.
The political crisis followed the disputed aftermath of the 2016 election, when then-President Yahya Jammeh initially conceded defeat to opposition candidate Adama Barrow before rejecting the result. The development created uncertainty over the transfer of power and heightened tensions in the West African country.
Fagbenle, who had risen to become Chief Justice of The Gambia in 2015, was serving within the country’s judiciary at the time. The article said his decision not to take political power demonstrated restraint at a moment when the country was facing considerable uncertainty.
The account also noted that Fagbenle eventually recused himself from matters connected with the political crisis and resigned as Chief Justice in January 2017 before returning to Nigeria.
The story has renewed discussions about the relationship between public office, personal ambition and service to society.
The article argues that leadership should not always be measured by the positions a person obtains but also by the decisions made when power becomes available.
It further calls for greater recognition of Nigerians who have made significant contributions to public service, particularly while they are still alive and able to share their experiences with younger generations.
According to the writer, Nigeria has many retired judges, diplomats, academics, civil servants and other professionals whose experience could continue contributing to national development.
The article suggests that such individuals could be engaged in areas including democratic governance, constitutional reform, mediation, conflict resolution, institutional strengthening and advisory roles.
The discussion also highlights the importance of documenting the experiences of public servants whose decisions may provide lessons for future generations.
Fagbenle’s reported decision during The Gambia’s political crisis is presented as an example of how restraint can become an important aspect of public service.
The article argues that younger Nigerians should be exposed not only to stories about political power and public office but also to examples of individuals who placed institutional stability and principle ahead of personal advancement.
It further calls for a stronger national culture of recognising exemplary citizens before their deaths, rather than waiting until after their passing to celebrate their contributions.
The broader message is that experience and institutional knowledge can remain valuable even after individuals leave formal public positions.
The story of Justice Emmanuel Fagbenle therefore provides an opportunity for renewed discussion about leadership, integrity, restraint and how Nigeria preserves the experiences of citizens who have played significant roles in public life.
