The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, will on Monday, September 29, administer the oath of office to 57 newly-appointed Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs).
The event, which will hold at the main courtroom of the Supreme Court, forms part of the programmes scheduled to officially usher in the 2025/2026 legal year of the apex court.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Supreme Court, Festus Akande, said the occasion will feature the traditional special court session.
“In line with our age-long tradition, during the special court session, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, will deliver a State-of-the-Judiciary address,” the statement read. “This is with a view to highlighting the performance of the Supreme Court in particular, and the Nigerian Judiciary in general, in the 2024/2025 legal year.”
Akande further noted that other key stakeholders in the justice sector will deliver goodwill messages and present perspectives on issues affecting the judiciary. These will include the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Chairman of the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN), and the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), among others.
The programme is scheduled to commence by 10 a.m.
What you should know
The rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) is the highest professional honour for lawyers in the country. It is conferred on legal practitioners who have demonstrated excellence in courtroom advocacy, contributed significantly to legal scholarship, and upheld the principles of justice.
The swearing-in ceremony underscores the judiciary’s tradition of honouring merit, reinforcing professionalism, and inspiring younger lawyers to strive for excellence.
It also provides an avenue to reflect on the state of the judiciary and reaffirm its role in safeguarding democracy and the rule of law in Nigeria.
