Veteran legal practitioner and social commentator Okutepa SAN has publicly condemned what he described as a pervasive “culture of impunity” in Nigeria, saying citizens and leaders alike have played roles in perpetuating national hardship.
Okutepa made the remarks on October 18, 2025, during a public address in Abuja, where he argued that poor governance, weak institutions and tolerance for corruption have combined to create self-inflicted economic and social pain. He urged Nigerians to reject practices that entrench poverty and underdevelopment, emphasizing personal responsibility alongside state accountability.
The senior lawyer pointed to weaknesses in the justice system and lax enforcement of laws as major contributors to impunity, saying that the rule of law must be reinforced through credible institutions. Okutepa also called for civic education to deepen citizens’ understanding of rights and responsibilities, stressing that a vigilant public is essential to check corruption and demand better service delivery.
He concluded by urging political and community leaders to lead by example — promoting transparency, refusing shortcuts, and supporting institutional reforms that protect public resources and punish malfeasance. Okutepa urged immediate action, warning that without a collective change in behaviour, successive generations would inherit the same cycle of hardship.
