By Our Correspondent
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has sworn in 68 legal practitioners as Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), marking a significant milestone in the country’s legal profession during the commencement of the 2026/2027 Legal Year at the Supreme Court in Abuja.
Nigeria’s legal community has recorded another important milestone following the elevation of 68 distinguished individuals to the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, one of the highest professional honours in the country’s legal profession.
The ceremony, which took place on Monday, October 12, 2026, was presided over by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, at the Supreme Court in Abuja as part of activities marking the commencement of the 2026/2027 Legal Year.
The newly elevated recipients comprise 67 legal practitioners and one academic, Professor Nnamdi Onyeka Obiaraeri, reflecting the contributions of legal practice and scholarship to the development of Nigeria’s justice system.
The conferment represents a major professional achievement for the recipients, whose elevation places them among the distinguished members of the Nigerian Bar recognised with the prestigious SAN title.
The rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria is a mark of professional distinction awarded to legal practitioners who meet the established standards for excellence in advocacy, legal practice and contributions to the legal profession.
Beyond the prestige attached to the title, the honour carries significant responsibilities, including maintaining high ethical standards, promoting professionalism and contributing to the effective administration of justice.
For the newly elevated SANs, the recognition represents both an achievement and a call to greater service. Their experience and expertise are expected to contribute to the development of legal practice, strengthen the culture of professional mentorship and encourage younger lawyers to pursue excellence in their careers.
The elevation also highlights the importance of integrity, diligence and respect for the rule of law in a profession that remains central to the protection of citizens’ rights and the preservation of constitutional democracy.
Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun presided over the swearing-in ceremony as Nigeria’s Chief Justice, welcoming the recipients into the distinguished rank during an important occasion on the country’s judicial calendar.
The opening of the Legal Year provides an opportunity for members of the judiciary and the legal profession to reflect on their responsibilities, assess challenges facing the justice system and renew their commitment to delivering justice fairly and efficiently.
The elevation of the new SANs comes amid continuing public expectations for a justice system that is accessible, transparent, efficient and responsive to the needs of Nigerians.
As senior members of the legal profession, the newly elevated advocates are expected to contribute to these objectives through effective representation, sound legal arguments, ethical conduct and respect for judicial institutions.
The composition of the new SANs reflects the different ways professionals contribute to the growth of Nigeria’s legal system.
While 67 recipients are legal practitioners, Professor Nnamdi Onyeka Obiaraeri represents the academic community as the sole academic among the 68 recipients.
Legal academics play an important role in advancing legal education, conducting research, interpreting legal principles and preparing future generations of lawyers for the demands of professional practice.
Their work complements courtroom advocacy and legal practice by contributing to the development of legal thought, the interpretation of statutes and the evolution of legal principles.
The recognition of an academic among the latest recipients therefore highlights the relationship between legal scholarship and the practical administration of justice.
The following names were reported as the recipients of the prestigious SAN rank, arranged according to seniority at the Bar:
- 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
- Emmanuel Akunke Akomaye
- 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
- Adebisi Emmanuel Adeniyi
- 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
- Olamide Moigbotoluwa Adekunle
- 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
- Professor Nnamdi Onyeka Obiaraeri
The conferment of the SAN rank comes with an opportunity for the new recipients to contribute more significantly to the improvement of Nigeria’s justice system.
Among the issues requiring sustained attention are delays in court proceedings, access to legal representation, professional ethics, legal education and the need to strengthen public confidence in the administration of justice.
Through their professional experience, the new SANs can help promote effective advocacy, encourage alternative dispute resolution where appropriate and mentor younger practitioners entering the profession.
Their participation in professional discussions, legal reforms and public-interest initiatives can also contribute to the continuing development of a justice system that protects the rights of citizens and upholds the principles of fairness and accountability.
The recognition also serves as an important reminder to lawyers across the country that professional advancement is built on dedication, continuous learning, ethical conduct and service to the law.
For the 68 recipients, the elevation marks a memorable achievement in their respective professional journeys. It is also an occasion of pride for their families, colleagues, mentors and institutions that have supported their development.
For younger lawyers, the announcement provides an opportunity to reflect on the discipline, perseverance and professional commitment required to attain one of the legal profession’s most distinguished honours.
The new SANs now join a select group of practitioners entrusted with maintaining the standards associated with the title and contributing to the advancement of legal practice in Nigeria.
Their future contributions will be important in shaping the experiences of younger members of the Bar and supporting the broader objectives of justice, professionalism and the rule of law.
The swearing-in of 68 new Senior Advocates of Nigeria by Chief Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun marks a notable event in the commencement of the 2026/2027 Legal Year.
As the recipients assume their new status, the expectations extend beyond professional recognition to the responsibilities of leadership, integrity, mentorship and service to society.
Their elevation is a reminder that the strength of a justice system depends not only on the institutions that administer the law but also on the character, competence and commitment of the professionals who practise it.
Congratulations to the 68 newly elevated Senior Advocates of Nigeria. May their distinction inspire greater excellence, strengthen the rule of law and contribute to a more accessible, credible and effective justice system for all Nigerians.
