CHIEF JUSTICE OF NIGERIA SWEARS IN 68 NEW SENIOR ADVOCATES OF NIGERIA AT COMMENCEMENT OF NEW LEGAL YEAR

Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun charges elevated legal practitioners to uphold institutional leadership, legal ethics, and professional excellence following their formal induction into the Inner Bar in Abuja

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has formally administered the oath of office to 68 newly elevated legal practitioners, conferring upon them the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria during a ceremony held at the Supreme Court Complex in Abuja.

The swearing-in exercise coincided with the official proceedings marking the commencement of the new legal year, celebrating the professional elevation of 67 court advocates alongside one distinguished legal academic, Professor Nnamdi Onyeka Obiaraeri.

Addressing the inductees during the ceremonial session, Justice Kekere-Ekun emphasized that elevation to the Inner Bar constitutes a heightened call to institutional leadership, professional integrity, and mentorship rather than a mere recognition of career achievement.

The Chief Justice charged the new Senior Advocates to maintain the highest standards of decorum, humility, and dedication to the administration of justice, reminding them that their conduct will serve as an enduring benchmark for younger members of the legal profession across the federation.

The elevation follows rigorous screening and approval by the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee during its earlier plenary session, which evaluated candidates based on courtroom advocacy, professional reputation, legal scholarship, and sustained contributions to jurisprudence.

Among the prominent legal practitioners admitted into the Inner 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, and Adenrele David Adegborioye.

The comprehensive roster of newly inducted advocates also includes James Eromosele Agbonhese, Alexander Nduka Muoka, Onome Okodiya, Emmanuel Akunke Akomaye, 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, and Sadiku Momoh Ilegieuno.

Further additions to the rank comprise Sarafa Kolawole Idowu, Olujoke Enitan Aliu, Oliver Onyenucheya Amuzie, Adebisi Emmanuel Adeniyi, 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 Adetosoye, Senior Sulyman Ibrahim, Agba Eimunjeze, and Ayobamidele Oyekunle Akande.

Legal stakeholders, judicial officers, and professional associations across the country have expressed confidence that the induction of the new Senior Advocates will strengthen bar-bench relations, deepen legal reform initiatives, and enhance the overall administration of justice within Nigeria's judicial system.