Abuja, Nigeria — The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, officially swore in 57 legal practitioners as Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) on Monday, marking both the highest recognition in the Nigerian legal profession and the formal commencement of the 2025/2026 legal year. The ceremony was held at the Supreme Court Complex in Abuja.
Addressing the newly conferred SANs, Justice Kekere-Ekun emphasized that the title is a privilege earned through rigorous dedication. “The conferment of this rank is a rigorous process, reflecting the high expectations placed upon those who bear the title,” she said. “It signifies not only professional excellence but also a commitment to ethical conduct and the upholding of the integrity of the legal profession.”
Privilege Can Be Withdrawn
The CJN issued a stern warning to the new Senior Advocates, reminding them that the title is not a permanent right and can be revoked.
“The rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria is a privilege, not a right. The privilege can, and indeed will, be withdrawn in appropriate circumstances where it is abused,” Justice Kekere-Ekun stated. She commended the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee for maintaining the integrity of the selection process. She also urged the new SANs to internalize the principles shared during their pre-swearing-in induction, advising them to “carry this rank with the utmost dignity, grace, and sense of responsibility it demands.”
Supreme Court Clears Case Backlogs
During her address, Justice Kekere-Ekun also reviewed the Supreme Court’s performance in the recently concluded legal year. She noted significant progress in clearing case backlogs, highlighting the judiciary’s commitment to the speedy dispensation of justice.
In the 2024/2025 legal year, which ended on July 18, 2025, the court considered a total of 2,280 matters, which included both motions and appeals. The court successfully delivered a total of 369 judgments. The CJN pointed out that this represents significant progress when compared to the preceding 2023/2024 legal year, during which the court handled 1,124 cases and delivered 247 judgments and rulings.
