CJN Kekere-Ekun Swears In 68 New SANs to Mark 2026/2027 Legal Year
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has sworn in 68 legal practitioners as Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) at the ceremony marking the commencement of the 2026/2027 legal year.
The elevation follows the approval of the successful candidates by the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) at its 174th plenary session held in July under the chairmanship of the Chief Justice.
The newly sworn-in SANs comprise 67 practising advocates and one academic, Professor Nnamdi Onyeka Obiaraeri, who was recognised for his contributions to legal scholarship. His elevation makes him the sole academic among the 68 recipients.
The rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria is one of the highest distinctions in the country’s legal profession. It recognises legal practitioners who have demonstrated exceptional distinction in advocacy or made notable contributions to legal scholarship and the development of law.
Before the conferment, the LPPC required successful candidates to complete a mandatory induction programme. It also reminded the new SANs of the restrictions under Paragraph 25(1) of the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Guidelines and Rule 39(3) of the Rules of Professional Conduct 2023, which prohibit advertisements, congratulatory messages and goodwill notices relating to their nomination or conferment. Violations may attract sanctions.
The admission of the 68 practitioners into the Inner Bar marks another milestone in their professional careers, bringing with it the distinction of the SAN rank and the responsibility to uphold the standards and ethical obligations of Nigeria’s legal profession.
