๐๐๐ก S๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ I๐ป 68 N๐ฒ๐ ๐ฆ๐๐กs, Harps On Discipline
By Sunday Etuka
Sixty-eight lawyers took the oath as Senior Advocates of Nigeria on Monday, with Chief Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun reminding them that the title offers no protection from accountability.
The ceremony was held at the Supreme Court in Abuja as a special session to open the 2026/2027 Legal Year. Of the new silks, 67 are practising advocates and one is an academic.
Justice Kekere-Ekun told the recipients that the rank is more than a reward for professional success.
She described it as a call to leadership that demands humility, dignity and firm ethical conduct.
She urged them to serve as role models for younger lawyers and stressed that professional excellence must go together with integrity.
The CJN also referred to disciplinary action taken against senior members of the profession during the previous Legal Year.
She said those cases should remind everyone that no rank can stand in for ethical behaviour.
The Legal Practitionersโ Privileges Committee approved the 68 names at its 174th plenary session, held in Abuja on July 23, 2026, with the CJN presiding.
The committee directed the successful applicants to complete a compulsory induction programme before the swearing-in.
It also cautioned them against placing advertisements, congratulatory messages or goodwill notices about their nomination or conferment, in keeping with the professionโs guidelines and rules of conduct.
The Senior Advocate rank is among the highest honours in Nigeriaโs legal profession and is reserved for lawyers who have shown exceptional ability and distinction in practice or scholarship.
The new silks are expected to maintain the standards that come with the title and help strengthen the legal profession and the administration of justice.
The 67 advocates, listed by 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.
Ikhide Ehighelua, Masโud 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.
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.
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.
