CJN to Swear in 87 New Senior Advocates of Nigeria on Monday

This swearing-in ceremony is Justice kudirat Kekere-Ekun’s first major assignment since her confirmation as the Chief Justice of Nigeria by the Senate on Wednesday, following her recent appointment to the role.

Abuja, Nigeria — The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, will on Monday, September 30, 2024, administer the oath of office to 87 lawyers recently elevated to the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

The ceremony, which will take place at the main courtroom of the Supreme Court in Abuja, marks the official commencement of the 2024/2025 Legal Year.

The Supreme Court’s Director of Information, Dr. Festus Akande, announced the upcoming event in a statement released on Thursday. This swearing-in ceremony is Justice Kekere-Ekun’s first major assignment since her confirmation as the Chief Justice of Nigeria by the Senate on Wednesday, following her recent appointment to the role.

The Supreme Court, which resumed sessions on September 23 after its annual vacation that began on July 22, will welcome various stakeholders in the legal profession to participate in the formal ceremony slated to begin at 10 a.m.

“During the special court session, the Chief Justice of Nigeria will deliver a state-of-the-judiciary address, highlighting the performance of the Supreme Court and the Nigerian judiciary in general during the 2023/2024 Legal Year,” the statement read.

The event will also feature speeches by other notable figures in the justice sector, including the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Chairman of the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, and the President of the Nigerian Bar Association. Their remarks are expected to address key issues concerning the state of justice in the country.

The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) had, on July 2, shortlisted 98 legal practitioners for consideration for the conferment of the SAN rank. Subsequently, at its 164th plenary session held on July 30 under the leadership of the former CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, the LPPC approved the elevation of 87 out of the 98 nominees to the rank.

The SAN designation is a highly respected honor conferred on legal practitioners in Nigeria with at least 10 years of standing, who have distinguished themselves in the profession through exceptional courtroom advocacy or contributions to legal academia.