Nigeria’s legal elite gets 68 new members as CJN Kudirat Kekere-Ekun demands integrity, humility and strict adherence to professional ethics.
The Nigerian legal profession has welcomed 68 new Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), but their elevation comes with a stern reminder from the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun: the prestigious silk is a badge of honour, not a licence to escape accountability.
The new SANs were sworn in on Monday at the Supreme Court in Abuja during a special session marking the commencement of the 2026/2027 Legal Year.
The recipients comprise 67 advocates and one academic, marking another significant milestone in their professional careers and placing them among the most distinguished figures in Nigeria’s legal community.
But while the conferment celebrates professional excellence, the CJN made it clear that the honour carries enormous responsibility.
Addressing the newly elevated legal practitioners, Justice Kekere-Ekun stressed that the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria must be matched by exemplary conduct, humility and an unwavering commitment to justice.
She urged the recipients to see their elevation as more than a personal achievement, describing it as a call to leadership and a responsibility to set the standard for younger lawyers.
Her message was unmistakable: professional distinction without integrity is an empty achievement.
The CJN also pointed to disciplinary actions taken against senior members of the Bar during the preceding Legal Year, warning that the consequences of professional misconduct should serve as a sobering lesson to all lawyers, regardless of their rank or reputation.
The warning reinforces a central principle of the legal profession: no title, status or professional accomplishment places a lawyer beyond the reach of ethical rules and accountability.
HOW THE 68 LAWYERS MADE THE CUT
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, under the chairmanship of the CJN.
The rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria is one of the highest distinctions in the country's legal profession. It is reserved for practitioners and academics who have demonstrated exceptional ability and distinction in legal practice or scholarship.
As part of the process, successful applicants were directed to complete a mandatory pre-swearing-in induction programme.
The committee also warned against advertisements, congratulatory messages and goodwill notices relating to the recipients' nomination or conferment, in accordance with the applicable professional guidelines and rules of conduct.
With the oath now taken, the new SANs are expected to uphold the standards attached to the prestigious rank, strengthen public confidence in the legal profession and contribute meaningfully to the administration of justice.
FULL LIST OF THE 68 NEW SANs
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
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 SalamiThe academic: Professor Nnamdi Onyeka Obiaraeri.
As the new silk recipients begin this chapter of their careers, the CJN's message leaves little room for ambiguity: the honour may elevate their professional standing, but only integrity, discipline and service to justice can sustain their legacy.
CJN Swears In 68 New SANs, Warns on Accountability
