The IMF’s Two Languages of Pain by Lawson Akhigbe

There is a certain elegance to the language of international finance. It rarely raises its voice. It does not shout “suffer.” It says “adjustment.” It does not say “people will struggle to eat.” It says “fiscal consolidation.” It does not say “your transport costs will double overnight.” It says “market correction.” And nowhere is this …

Edo State Anti-Cultism Law 2025: Can Government Demolish Your Property for Another Person’s Crime? By Lawson Akhigbe

The fight against cultism is a legitimate and necessary objective of government. No society can prosper where criminal gangs terrorise communities, engage in killings, extortion, kidnapping, and violence with impunity. The people of Edo State are entitled to security and the government is under a constitutional obligation to provide it. However, in pursuing that objective, …

It’s A Trap

Emperor Palpatine has announced open elections for a new Emperor — and he’s nominated Darth Vader. You get to nominate one challenger. Grand Master Yoda, only he can shatter Vader’s campaign strategy before the first debate even begins.

Why Bypass Regular Order? The Edo State Special Court Controversy and the Failure of Due Process by Lawson Akhigbe

Edo State House of Assembly The controversy surrounding the Edo State Government’s attempt to create a special court for cultism and kidnapping cases raises a question that goes beyond constitutional law and enters the realm of governance. Why bypass regular order when regular order is readily available? The stated objective of Governor Monday Okpebholo is …

Edo State Kidnappers and Cultists Special Court: Much Ado About Nothing? A Constitutional Reality Check By Lawson Akhigbe

The recent move by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo and Chief Judge Justice Daniel Okungbowa to establish a "Special Criminal Court 1" for cultism and kidnapping cases has generated significant buzz . The Governor’s declaration that he would sign death warrants for convicted kidnappers, coupled with the Chief Judge’s administrative action, has been framed as …