The day my client brought his own gavel to court

I have seen many things in 26 years at the High Court. But last week, a man brought his own gavel. Not a toy, not a joke. A proper wooden gavel, the kind they use in American movies.

He was a market trader, small case of debt recovery. When the judge walked in, this man stood up, picked his gavel, and banged it on the bench. He said, 'Oga judge, I am ready for my matter.' The judge just stared at him. The whole courtroom was quiet for a good 10 seconds. Then the judge asked him, 'Are you the one presiding today?' The man said, 'No, but I like to be prepared.'

The judge laughed. The lawyers laughed. Even the court clerk laughed. I had to call order three times. Naija people, we love drama. But I tell you, that man is the reason we have a sign outside now: 'No personal gavels allowed in court.'