The 57 legal practitioners, who have been conferred with the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) have been urged to uphold the highest standards of legal practice.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, gave the advice on Monday, 29 September, while admitting the learned silks to the oath of office at the Supreme Court Complex, Abuja.
Persecondnews recalls that the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC), had on June 24, released names of 57 approved legal practitioners for elevation to the SAN status.
The rank of SAN is conferred as a mark of professional excellence upon legal practitioners who have demonstrated exceptional distinction either as advocates in the courts or as academics contributing significantly to the development of legal scholarship.
Speaking at the conferment ceremony, which also marked the commencement of the new legal year of the Supreme Court, Justice Kekere-Ekun told the new SANs that their recognition is a culmination of years of dedicated service, resolute commitment to the rule of law, and exceptional contributions to the legal profession.
She said: “Your achievement is a powerful testament to the strength of human spirit, the triumph of talent over adversity, and the fact that determination and professionalism know no bounds.”
Kekere-Ekun reminded the newly conferred Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) that the rank is the result of a rigorous process, reflecting the high expectations placed upon them.
She stressed that the title signifies not only professional excellence but also a deep commitment to ethical conduct and upholding the legal profession’s integrity.
Consequently, she urged them to internalize these principles and carry the SAN status with the dignity, grace, and profound sense of responsibility that it demands.
She further cautioned the new SANs to remember that the rank is a privilege, not an inherent right.
“The privilege can, and indeed will, be withdrawn in appropriate circumstances where it is abused” the CJN warned.
Justice Kekere-Ekun assured that the Judiciary will remain steadfast in its constitutional role of dispensing justice fairly and impartially.
“We will continue to work tirelessly to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the judicial process, uphold the rule of law, and protect the rights and freedoms of all Nigerians.”
Among those elevated was Adedayo Adesina, a legal practitioner, reform advocate, and co-founder of Oyewole & Adesina, whose career has been marked by excellence in advocacy, judicial reform, and public service.
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