Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has urged the 68 newly elevated Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) to maintain high ethical standards, stressing that the prestigious rank does not exempt its holders from professional accountability.
Justice Kekere-Ekun gave the charge on Monday at the Supreme Court in Abuja during a special session to mark the commencement of the 2026/2027 Legal Year, where she formally swore in 67 legal practitioners and one academic as Senior Advocates of Nigeria.
Describing the rank as both a professional distinction and a responsibility, the CJN called on the recipients to approach their elevated status with humility, dignity and a firm commitment to the rules governing legal practice.
She emphasised that the recognition should extend beyond individual achievement, placing the new SANs in a position to influence professional standards and serve as examples to younger lawyers.
The CJN also drew attention to disciplinary measures taken against senior members of the Bar during the previous Legal Year, noting that professional seniority does not shield lawyers from sanctions for misconduct.
The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) approved the elevation of the 68 recipients at its 174th plenary session held in Abuja on July 23, 2026. The meeting was chaired by the CJN.
As part of the requirements preceding their formal investiture, successful candidates were directed to participate in a compulsory pre-induction programme. The committee also cautioned against advertisements, congratulatory publications and goodwill messages relating to candidates’ nomination or conferment, in accordance with the applicable professional rules and guidelines.
The new conferment brings the recipients into a distinguished category of the Nigerian legal profession, recognising exceptional achievement in legal practice or academia. Their elevation also carries an expectation that they will contribute to strengthening professional discipline and the administration of justice.
The 67 advocates, listed according to seniority at the Bar, are Ibrahim Gamdeh Adamu, Jude Chukwuemeka Okafor, Godwill Achibong Umoh, Sunday Samuel Obende, Adebayo Olugbenga Adaralegbe, Jimson Ejovi Okodaso, Olalekan Lawrence Bade-John, Olaotan Thomas Olusegun, Philemeon Audu Daffi, Adenrele David Adegborioye, James Eromosele Agbonhese, Alexander Nduka Muoka, Onome Okodiya and Emmanuel Akunke Akomaye.
Others are Ikhide Ehighelua, Mas’ud Mobolaji Alabelewe, Ogunmuyiwa Olayinka Balogun, Anthony Auditz Iroagalachi, Mohammed Tajudeen Mohammed, Odion Peter Odia, Gbemiga Adaramola, Moses Okoh Onyilokwu, Charles Azubuike Obodozie, Hakeem Obafemi Agaba, Bimbo Felix Atilola, Okechukwu Steve Emelieze, Joshua Demilade Olaniyan, Igonikon Abiola Adekunle, Christian Nnadozie Nwokorie, Sadiku Momoh Ilegieuno, Sarafa Kolawole Idowu, Olujoke Enitan Aliu, Oliver Onyenucheya Amuzie and Adebisi Emmanuel Adeniyi.
The list further includes Faruk Abdullah, Sagir Gezawa Suleiman, Ifeanyi Godwin Ezeuko, Adebayo Folorunsho Ologe, Sabiu Gumba Adamu, Eric Keme-Egolukumor Omare, Soibi Ideriah Ovia, Somina Peter Johnbull, Chinedum Ikenna Umeche, Emmanuel Eghiegba Ekhasemomhe, Mohammed El-Hassan Sheriff, Junaidu Bello Marshall, Olawale Sunday Fapohunda, Adebiyi Alaba Adetoboye, Senior Sulyman Ibrahim, Agba Eimunjeze, Ayobamidele Oyekunle Akande, Adetunji Taiwo Adedoyin Adeniyi and Olamide Moigbotoluwa Adekunle.
The remaining recipients are Umaru Yunusa, Akorede Habeeb Lawal, Darlington Nnabuike Ozurumba, Nnaemeka Francis Patrick Egonu, Kayode Orire Omosehin, Mitchel Akinrinsola Aribisala, Bolu Agbaje Akadri, Oluwaseun Asimiyu Alao, Olugbenga Olusanya Ajala, Mustapha Olayinka Ajenifuja, Afees Hassan Adebayo, Mohammed Abiodun Adelodun, Jonathan Akintola Makinde, Olajide Salami and Professor Nnamdi Onyeka Obiaraeri.
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