CJN Kekere-Ekun swears in 68 new Senior Advocates of Nigeria

Chief Justice of Nigeria Kudirat Kekere-Ekun has sworn in 68 new Senior Advocates of Nigeria as part of ceremonies marking the opening of the 2026/2027 legal year.

The swearing-in took place at the Supreme Court in Abuja on Monday, formally admitting the newly elevated lawyers into Nigeria’s Inner Bar.

67 advocates, one academic elevated

The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee had approved the 68 candidates at its 174th plenary session in July.

The group comprises 67 advocates and one academic, Prof. Nnamdi Onyeka Obiaraeri.

The candidates were required to complete a mandatory pre-swearing-in induction programme before formally receiving the rank.

The LPPC said the SAN rank recognises lawyers who have distinguished themselves through advocacy before the courts or through significant contributions to legal scholarship.

New SANs reminded of professional rules

Ahead of the ceremony, the LPPC reminded successful candidates of professional rules governing publicity surrounding their elevation.

The committee said the new SANs should not sponsor or encourage congratulatory advertisements or other publicity prohibited by the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Guidelines and Rules of Professional Conduct.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria rank gives recipients membership of the Inner Bar and recognises senior professional distinction within the Nigerian legal profession.