In a searing and eloquent display of courage, renowned poet, Prof. Niyi Osundare, unflinchingly exposes the rot within Nigeria’s judicial system through a poignant and daring piece of poetry titled “My Lord, Tell Me Where to Keep Your Bribe.” His work is more than just a poem—it’s a wake-up call, a piercing lament of corruption that has pervaded the courts, where justice has become a commodity bought by the highest bidder.
In stark and vivid verses, Osundare calls out those who should stand as the last hope for the common man—the judges and the National Judicial Council (NJC). With a satirical tone, he lays bare the hypocrisy behind the robes and wigs, painting a picture of moral decay that is not only tragic but scandalously familiar.
“My Lord, Tell Me Where to Keep Your Bribe,” the poem opens, immediately drawing the reader into a world of veiled transactions and deceit. Osundare deftly illustrates how corruption infiltrates even the most sacred spaces:
“Do I drop it in your venerable chambers
Or carry the heavy booty to your immaculate mansion?”
Each stanza further unravels the shocking reality of a judicial system so deeply entangled in corruption that even septic tanks and water reservoirs become potential hiding spots for illicit bribes. The poet leaves no stone unturned, mocking the wealth stored in secret, laundered through family members, mistresses, and even unsuspecting servants:
“Shall I give a billion to each of your paramours
The black, the light, the Fanta-yellow?”
As the poem progresses, Osundare’s sharp wit gives way to a deeper sorrow. His words resonate with the bitterness of a people betrayed by those sworn to protect them. The judiciary, he suggests, has become an auction house for “opulent criminals”:
“Interlocutory and perpetual injunctions,
Opulent criminals shop for pliant judges,
Protect the criminal, enshrine the crime.”
Prof. Osundare’s poignant portrayal of Election Petition Tribunals as “goldmines” further solidifies his scathing criticism of a system where justice is a mere puppet in the hands of corrupt judges:
“Scoundrel vote-riggers romp to electoral victory,
All hail our buyable Bench and conniving Bar.”
But perhaps the most damning lines come when he describes the Chief Justice—supposedly the symbol of integrity—turning a blind eye as corruption rules:
“Judges doze in the courtroom
Having spent all night counting money and various ‘gifts’
And the Chief Justice looks on with tired eyes
As Corruption usurps his gavel.”
Osundare’s message is clear: Nigeria’s legal system is crumbling. The foundation, he says, is being eaten away by termites of greed, while justice lies in ruins:
“The ‘Temple of Justice’
Is broken in every brick
The roof is roundly perforated
By termites of graft.”
In the final stanzas, Osundare turns his attention to the societal implications of this judicial collapse. He paints a bleak picture of a nation where injustice reigns and the innocent suffer:
“They declare the innocent guilty.
They pronounce the guilty innocent.”
The poet’s words carry a sense of urgency, urging Nigerians to confront the uncomfortable truth. His cry is one for action, for justice to be restored, and for the judiciary to reclaim its dignity before the entire system sinks further into the mire of impunity.
In this compelling piece, Prof. Niyi Osundare not only provides a mirror for Nigeria to look at itself but also challenges the public to demand better from those in power. “My Lord, Tell Me Where to Keep Your Bribe” is a must-read for anyone who seeks to understand the deep-seated issues plaguing the Nigerian judicial system—and for anyone courageous enough to hope for change.
This poem is not just a reflection; it is a call to arms, urging citizens and institutions to fight against the insidious grip of corruption that threatens the very soul of the nation. By making this piece viral, we amplify Osundare’s brave voice, ensuring that his potent message resonates across every corner of Nigeria.
PIONEER NEWS 