CJN's Title Change for Lawyers Lacks Legal Basis

The Nigerian Law Society (NLS) has declared that the directive issued by Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, banning the use of the title 'Barrister' in favor of 'Esquire' is not supported by law. This directive was communicated in a memo dated July 13, 2026, signed by Chief Registrar Kabir Akanbi, aimed at maintaining professional standards at the Supreme Court.

Dr. Tonye Clinton Jaja, Executive Director of the NLS, emphasized that the Legal Practitioners Act, 1962, recognizes both 'Barrister' and 'Solicitor' as valid titles for lawyers. He criticized the CJN's recommendation of 'Esquire' as it is not mentioned in the Act.

Jaja further argued that neither the CJN, the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee (LPPC), nor the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has the authority to impose regulations not explicitly stated in the Act. The NLS also contested the assertion that the rank of Senior Counsel of Nigeria (SCN) should be disregarded, highlighting that it too is not mentioned in the Act.