Prominent civil rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, has publicly commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, as the new Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation (DPPF). Adeyanju described the appointment, announced on Thursday, 8 January 2026, as a significant and positive signal for the integrity of Nigeria's justice system.
A Step Toward Strengthening the Rule of Law
In a personally signed statement, Adeyanju emphasized that the selection of Oyedepo reflects a crucial emphasis on professional competence and adherence to due process. He noted that the Office of the DPPF holds a vital role in safeguarding the rule of law, particularly through its decisions on criminal prosecutions conducted on behalf of the state.
"I commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the appointment of Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo as Director of Public Prosecutions," Adeyanju stated. He pointed to Oyedepo's established reputation for independent judgement and his extensive professional background as key factors that could strengthen public confidence in prosecutorial processes.
Independence and Institutional Integrity
Adeyanju argued that placing a senior legal practitioner known for autonomy in such a sensitive position helps reinforce the principle that justice institutions must operate free from undue influence. He connected this appointment directly to broader justice sector reforms, stating that such moves are more likely to gain public trust when they visibly prioritize competence and legal standards over political considerations.
"Mr. Oyedepo's demonstrated independence of mind makes him well-suited for a role that sits at the heart of the rule of law," Adeyanju continued. "By entrusting such a sensitive office to a seasoned professional, the President has shown that reform of the justice sector can be driven by capacity and respect for due process."
A Call for Consistency and Sustained Reform
While acknowledging that the ultimate impact will depend on how the office is exercised, Adeyanju characterized the appointment as a foundational step that could contribute to restoring faith in public prosecutions. He concluded his statement with a call for consistency, stressing that the long-term credibility of the justice system hinges on maintaining transparent and merit-based selection processes for key roles.
"It is a step in the right direction and one that, if sustained, can help restore faith in public prosecutions as a tool for justice. This appointment deserves to be applauded," Adeyanju affirmed.
Following his appointment, the new Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation pledged to strengthen Nigeria's public prosecution system through professionalism, independence, and strict adherence to the rule of law. Oyedepo expressed profound gratitude to President Tinubu and the Attorney-General of the Federation, acknowledging that his appointment comes at a critical juncture for Nigeria's criminal justice system, demanding a renewed sense of duty and reform-minded leadership.
