The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has sworn in 68 legal practitioners as Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) at a ceremony marking the commencement of the 2026/2027 legal year. The ceremony took place on Monday at the Supreme Court complex in Abuja, with the newly elevated lawyers taking their oaths before the head of Nigeria’s judiciary. This development follows the approval of their applications by the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC), which is chaired by the CJN.
The new recipients comprise 67 advocates and one academic, Professor Nnamdi Onyeka Obiaraeri, whose inclusion recognises contributions to legal scholarship. The conferment of the SAN rank represents one of the highest professional distinctions available to legal practitioners in Nigeria. The honour is reserved for lawyers who have demonstrated exceptional distinction in advocacy or made significant contributions to legal scholarship and the development of the profession.
The newly sworn-in Senior Advocates were selected following an assessment process conducted by the LPPC, which considers applicants’ professional records and their contributions to the legal system. Their elevation formally admits them into the Inner Bar, distinguishing them from other members of the legal profession and placing additional expectations on them regarding professional conduct and the administration of justice.
The 2026 list includes practitioners from different areas of legal practice, including courtroom advocacy, public service and legal academia. Among the prominent recipients is Kwara State Attorney-General, Senior Sulyman Ibrahim. Other notable names on the list include former Nigerian Bar Association spokesperson Akorede Habeeb Lawal and former NBA Lagos Branch chairman Alexander Nduka Muoka.
The LPPC approved the 68 successful applicants during its 174th plenary session held on July 23, 2026, under the chairmanship of Justice Kekere-Ekun. The decision followed a screening process in which candidates were assessed for eligibility and professional distinction. The committee had earlier shortlisted 89 candidates, comprising 77 applicants in the advocate category and 12 in the academic category.
The 2026 list includes four women, reflecting the participation of female practitioners in the legal profession’s highest ranks. They are Soibi Ideriah Ovia, Igonikan Abiola Adekunle, Olujoke Enitan Aliu and Olamide Mojogbotoluwa Adekunle. The list also features lawyers who have served in public institutions and professional associations, highlighting the range of backgrounds represented among the recipients.
The new Senior Advocates are expected to uphold professional integrity, promote respect for the rule of law and contribute to strengthening public confidence in the justice system. Their responsibilities also include maintaining ethical standards in legal practice and supporting the development of younger lawyers through mentorship and professional engagement. As members of the Inner Bar, they are expected to demonstrate the standards of excellence that underpin the conferment of the rank.
Key points
- The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, swore in 68 lawyers as Senior Advocates of Nigeria at the Supreme Court complex in Abuja.
- The new Senior Advocates of Nigeria include 67 advocates and one academic, Professor Nnamdi Onyeka Obiaraeri.
- The elevation of the 68 legal practitioners follows the approval of their applications by the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC).
