The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) has approved the elevation of 68 legal practitioners to the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), marking another significant milestone in the advancement of the legal profession in the country.
The approval was granted at the Committee’s 174th Plenary Session, held on 23 July 2026, under the chairmanship of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, GCON, who also serves as Chairman of the LPPC.
According to a press statement issued by the Committee, the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria is conferred on legal practitioners who have demonstrated exceptional distinction either in courtroom advocacy or in legal scholarship, recognising outstanding professional excellence and contributions to the development of the law.
The LPPC announced that the successful applicants will be formally sworn in on Monday, 12 October 2026.
However, the Committee explained that, in line with the directives of the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN), every successful applicant must first attend and successfully complete the Pre-Swearing-In Induction Programme, which remains a mandatory condition for the conferment of the prestigious rank. The date for the induction programme will be communicated to the successful candidates in due course.
The Committee also reminded the newly approved SAN conferees of their ethical responsibilities under the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Guidelines and the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners, 2023.
Specifically, the LPPC drew attention to Paragraph 25(1) of the Guidelines and Rule 39(3) of the Rules of Professional Conduct, which prohibit shortlisted applicants from publishing, sponsoring or encouraging congratulatory advertisements, goodwill messages or any form of publicity relating to their nomination or conferment. The Committee warned that any breach of these provisions may attract appropriate sanctions.
Of the 68 successful applicants, 67 were elevated through the advocates’ category, while one applicant was elevated through the academic category. The sole academic recipient is Prof. Nnamdi Onyeka Obiaraeri, whose elevation recognises his distinguished contributions to legal scholarship.
The advocates elevated to the Inner Bar include Ibrahim Gamdeh Adamu, Jude Chukwuemeka Okafor, Goodwill Achibong Umoh, Sunday Samuel Obende, Adebayo Olugbenga Adaralegbe, Jimson Ejovi Okodaso, Olalekan Lawrence Bade-John, Olatoan Thomas Olusegun, Philemeon Audu Daffi, Adenrele David Adegborioye, James Eromosele Agbonhese, Moses Okoh Onyilokwu, Okechukwu Steve Emelieze, Sagir Gezawa Suleiman, Emmanuel Eghiegba Ekhasemomhe, Mohammed Abiodun Adelodun, Jonathan Akintola Makinde, Olajide Salami, among several other distinguished legal practitioners listed by the LPPC in order of seniority at the Bar.
The annual conferment of the SAN rank remains one of the most respected honours within the Nigerian legal profession. Beyond recognising exceptional advocacy and academic excellence, it reflects the profession’s enduring commitment to competence, integrity, ethical practice and service to the administration of justice.
The announcement is expected to be warmly received across the legal community, as the elevation to the Inner Bar represents the culmination of years of professional dedication, courtroom excellence and significant contributions to the development of law and justice in Nigeria.
The Lawyer’s Guide congratulates all the successful applicants on this remarkable achievement and wishes them continued success as they prepare for their formal conferment in October 2026.
Source: Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) Press Release dated 23 July 2026, signed by Kabir Eniola Akanbi, Esq., Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court of Nigeria and Secretary, LPPC.
