Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, on Monday swore in 68 legal practitioners as Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), urging them to uphold professional integrity and remember that the prestigious rank does not place them above accountability.

The swearing-in took place at the Supreme Court in Abuja during a special session marking the commencement of the 2026/2027 Legal Year.

The new Senior Advocates comprise 67 legal practitioners and one academic. The rank is one of the highest professional distinctions in Nigeria’s legal profession, reserved for lawyers who have demonstrated exceptional ability and distinction in legal practice or scholarship.

Addressing the recipients, Justice Kekere-Ekun described the rank as not merely a recognition of professional success but also a call to leadership. She urged them to demonstrate humility, dignity, and a strong commitment to ethical conduct.

She said the elevation should inspire the recipients to become role models for younger members of the profession, stressing that professional excellence must go hand in hand with integrity.

Justice Kekere-Ekun also cautioned that disciplinary action taken against senior members of the legal profession during the preceding Legal Year should remind practitioners that no professional rank could substitute for ethical conduct.

The 68 recipients were approved by the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) at its 174th plenary session held in Abuja on July 23, 2026, under the chairmanship of the CJN.

The committee had also directed successful applicants to complete a mandatory pre-swearing-in induction programme. It warned against advertisements, congratulatory messages, or goodwill notices relating to their nomination or conferment, in accordance with the applicable professional guidelines and rules of conduct.

The new Senior Advocates 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.

Also included 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 Prof. Nnamdi Onyeka Obiaraeri.

The LPPC approved the elevation of the 68 legal practitioners at its 174th plenary session on Thursday, July 23, 2026, under the chairmanship of the CJN.