The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has sworn in 68 legal practitioners as Senior Advocates of Nigeria, urging them to uphold professional integrity and remember that the prestigious rank does not place them above accountability.
The swearing-in ceremony took place on Monday at the Supreme Court in Abuja during a special session marking the commencement of the 2026/2027 Legal Year.
The new recipients comprise 67 advocates and one academic. The rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria is one of the highest professional distinctions in the country’s legal profession, awarded to practitioners and scholars who have demonstrated exceptional ability and distinction.
Addressing the recipients, Kekere-Ekun said the elevation was not merely a recognition of professional achievement but also a call to leadership, humility and ethical conduct.
She urged the new SANs to serve as role models for younger lawyers, stressing that professional excellence must go hand in hand with integrity and respect for the rule of law.
The CJN also warned that disciplinary actions taken against senior members of the legal profession during the preceding Legal Year should remind the recipients that no professional title exempts anyone from accountability.
The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee approved the elevation of the 68 practitioners at its 174th plenary session held in Abuja on July 23, 2026, under the chairmanship of the CJN.
The committee had directed successful applicants to complete a mandatory induction programme before the conferment ceremony. It also cautioned against advertisements, congratulatory messages and goodwill notices relating to their nominations or elevation, in line with applicable professional guidelines and rules of conduct.
The new SANs are expected to uphold the standards associated with the rank and contribute to strengthening the legal profession and the administration of justice in Nigeria.
The 67 advocates, listed according to their 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 also 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.
Others 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.