In the annals of Gambian legal history, few figures embody the relentless pursuit of justice as profoundly as Dr. Lamin J. Darbo. 

In a country marred by hunger, corruption, populist opportunism, and the glorification of ignorance, Dr. Darbo’s life stands as a testament to a rare kind of courage—a courage that demands sacrifice, scrutinises mediocrity, and upholds the sublime dignity of the law.

Does Dr. Darbo ever smile? Recall Shakespeare’s Hamlet, which reminds us that “one may smile, and smile, and be a villain.” In Dr. Darbo’s case, his seldom-seen smile is not born of cynicism but of the solemn weight of responsibility. His steady gaze and measured words reveal a profound resolve—a resolve that dismantles injustice and defends the Constitution with an unwavering spirit.

In 1999, as The Gambia grappled with despotic rule, Dr. Darbo, then a senior magistrate, found himself at the epicenter of a case that would etch his legacy into the nation’s conscience. Tasked with a politically explosive trial involving IGP versus Imam Karamo Touray, Lamin Waa Juwara, and others, he inherited a file burdened by eight agonising months of adjournments and power plays. 

With the tenacity reminiscent of historical legal champions such as Sir Edward Coke and Justice Louis Brandeis, Dr. Darbo reasserted the sanctity of the law.
Within a mere three weeks of assuming his role as Principal Magistrate, he scrutinised every detail of the case with unfaltering resolve—even as armed paramilitary forces loomed around the courthouse. 

Rendering a verdict for the defence and acquitting all remaining defendants under intense pressure, he demonstrated that integrity must triumph over intimidation. 

When the Minister of Justice demanded justification—her call met by his measured injunction to “read the record”—and when further demands for a written apology followed, he resolutely declared that he would rather be dismissed than compromise his judicial oath. 

Like Odysseus navigating treacherous seas, his actions underscored that true courage is found in the steadfast defense of justice.

Dr. Darbo’s life transcends any single moment of valor. As a barrister, constitutional law expert, and solicitor at the Supreme Court, his contributions unfurl across every facet of our legal fabric. 

His dignified resignation—taken in protest against executive interference during Yahya Jammeh’s despotic reign—further cemented his reputation as a guardian of judicial independence.

Always impeccably attired in tailored dark suits—whether the refined silhouettes of Giorgio Armani or the understated elegance of Louis Vuitton—Dr. Darbo commanded respect with not just his style, but also his penetrating gaze, reflective of vast experience and unwavering determination. 

His mastery of law, public policy, philosophy, and literature has been both intimidating and transformative, inspiring generations of lawyers, law students, and journalists to chart a course toward a truly democratic society.

An essential pillar of his legacy is his unyielding stance against compromising our nation’s integrity. In a bold denunciation of the 2020 draft constitution—an instrument he decried as “plagiarized” from the 2010 Constitution of Kenya—Dr. Darbo challenged the narrative that this document embodied the genuine aspirations of Gambians. 

In an incisive interview with Fatu Network, he called on his compatriots to defend their national pride by withholding support for a constitution that, rather than reflecting indigenous thought, was merely a copied construct.

Dr. Darbo’s critique was clear: the Constitutional Review Commission was not established to engage in a “copying and pasting” exercise. Citing earlier cautionary advice against having a member of the judiciary chair the commission, he evoked the timeless call for an authentic, sovereign legal framework—emphasising that our laws must be borne from the Gambian experience, not shaped by external templates or elite loopholes. 

His voice in this matter is yet another resounding echo of his larger-than-life commitment to justice and national dignity.

The patriarch of Dabanani has truly excelled. Beyond his formidable academic and judicial accomplishments, Lawyer Darbo embodies the qualities of a Senior Counsel—a title reserved for those whose careers are marked by unwavering integrity and competence after a decade-long dedication to the law. 

More than a legal luminary, he is a dedicated father, a loving husband, and a beacon for the many aspiring lawyers, law students, and journalists who find inspiration in his life.

From early on, we learned that a senior counsel’s opinion should be beyond reproach—much like Caesar’s wife—a lesson ingrained into our educational fabric. 

Dr. Darbo not only met these expectations; he redefined them by engaging warmly and thoughtfully with individuals across diverse backgrounds, transcending caste, class, or creed. 

His humility, affable manner, and impeccable taste—whether in a finely tailored suit or an elegantly stitched kaftan—further enriched his dignified poise and endeared him to all who encountered him.

His ability to engage in thoughtful, dialectical discussions is a testament to an intellectual depth that few possess. Dr. Darbo’s scholarly insights—a blend of legal acumen and humanistic understanding—not only enriched the discourse of constitutional law but also left an indelible mark on every conversation, classroom, and courtroom he graced.

Dr. Lamin J. Darbo’s storied career and formidable character form a vivid chronicle of a man who dared to stand alone against oppression—his steadfast dedication to constitutional integrity and the rights of Gambians a clarion call for justice in the face of tyranny. 

Whether through his landmark decisions at Brikama, his principled resignation during a period of governmental overreach, or his fierce advocacy for a constitution that truly reflects Gambian identity, his legacy continues to inspire.

In commemorating Dr. Darbo, we honour not only his distinguished legal career and academic contributions but also his overarching influence on the advancement of justice and the rule of law in The Gambia. 

His enduring legacy is a wellspring from which upcoming generations of lawyers and advocates draw inspiration—a beacon illuminating the eternal truth that a just and democratic society is forged by those who dare to stand by principle.

A Nation’s Hope – Will Dr. Lamin J. Darbo Answer the Call?

As The Gambia stands at a crossroads, yearning for visionary leadership, the name Dr. Lamin J. Darbo resonates deeply among its people—particularly the youth, who see in him the qualities of a leader capable of steering the nation toward a brighter future. 

In a country plagued by gerontocracy and a deficit of politicians with character and intellect, Dr. Darbo’s unwavering integrity, profound knowledge, and bold vision have ignited widespread anticipation. Many wonder if he will throw his hat into the political ring and emerge as a presidential aspirant in 2026.

Though he has yet to announce any political ambitions, the hope surrounding Dr. Darbo is palpable. Gambians envision a leader who embodies the courage to confront systemic challenges, the intellect to craft transformative policies, and the vision to unite a nation fractured by years of mediocrity and opportunism. 

His legacy as a constitutional scholar and fearless advocate for justice positions him as a figure who could transcend the limitations of traditional politics and usher in an era of principled governance.
Should Dr. Darbo choose to step into the political arena, his candidacy would undoubtedly galvanise a nation hungry for change. Yet, even in the absence of an announcement, his enduring influence continues to inspire Gambians to demand better from their leaders—to seek those who, like him, prioritise the rule of law, intellectual rigor, and the collective good above personal ambition. Dr. Lamin J. Darbo may rarely smile, yet his life vibrates with the triumphant roar of justice—a legacy destined to echo long beyond our era.

By Alagi Yorro Jallow