57 New Senior Advocates Of Nigeria Sworn in At Supreme Court
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has sworn in 57 legal practitioners as Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) during a ceremony at the Supreme Court in Abuja.
The full list of 57 new SANs also includes Theophilus Kolawole Esan, Fedude Zimughan, Ernest Chikwendu Ikeji, Victor Esiri Aapoguma, Leslie Akujuobi Njemanze, Akintunde Wilson Adewale, Preye Agedah, Omamuzo Erebe, Hannibal Egbe Uwaifo, Olumide Ekisola, and others.
Speaking at the special session marking the commencement of the 2025/2026 Legal Year, Justice Kekere-Ekun described the conferment as a moment of “solemn reflection and renewed commitment to the noble calling of justice.” She urged the new SANs to uphold the dignity of the rank, warning that the privilege could be revoked if misused.
“This occasion is not merely a celebration of time passing, but a call to reflect on our challenges and achievements and recommit ourselves to the ideals of justice, fairness, and service to the Nigerian people,” she said.
The CJN also paid tribute to four eminent jurists who passed away in the past legal year, including former Chief Justice Muhammadu Lawal Uwais, acknowledging their “unwavering commitment to justice” and extending condolences to their families and judicial staff.Family games
Highlighting judicial reforms over the past year, Justice Kekere-Ekun noted that pending petitions before the National Judicial Council (NJC) were resolved, sanctions were imposed where necessary, and serial frivolous petitioners were barred from filing further complaints. She also emphasized the digitization of court records, streamlined case management, and the nationwide rollout of the Nigerian Case Management System (NCMS) to enable e-filing and reduce delays.
On staff welfare, she reported prompt salary payments, improved welfare packages, and constructive engagement with JUSUN to avert strikes. The Supreme Court heard 2,280 matters, including 560 appeals, and delivered 369 judgments—up from 247 the previous year.
Regarding anti-corruption efforts, she highlighted that COTRIMCO, in collaboration with agencies like the EFCC and ICPC, contributed to 1,417 convictions and 43 new cases with nine convictions, respectively, in 2025.
Among those elevated is Adedayo Gbolahan Adesina, co-founder of Oyewole & Adesina. A native of Ogbomosho, Oyo State, Adedayo graduated top of his class from the University of Jos in 2008, was called to the Bar in 2009, and earned an LL.M. in Banking and Finance Law from the University of London. He has worked with prominent law firms before co-founding his firm and has contributed to key legal reforms, including drafting the Business Facilitation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2021 and developing Small Claims Court practice directions.
Other notable SANs sworn in include Shuaibu Labaran, Secretary to Nasarawa State Government; Olanrewaju Akinsola, legal historian and blogger; and Preye Agedah, former Solicitor-General of Bayelsa State.
The SAN rank comes with exclusive privileges, such as front-row courtroom seating and priority in case listings, and they are distinguished by their silk robes, earning them the nickname “silks.”
