The Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee (LPPC) has elevated 87 lawyers to the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
This announcement was made in a press release by the LPPC Secretary, Hajia Hajo Sarki Bello on Thursday.
The LPPC, the sole body responsible for conferring the SAN rank, announced that the elevation occurred during its 164th Plenary session, chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Honorable Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, on Thursday.
The SAN rank, equivalent to the UK’s King’s Counsel, is awarded to legal practitioners who have demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication in the legal field.
The new SANs will be formally recognized in a swearing-in ceremony scheduled for September 30, 2024.
The LPPC also addressed several petitions against some of the applicants.
These petitions, which questioned the integrity and competence of the candidates, were reviewed and ultimately dismissed for lacking merit.
Among those elevated is a former Chairman of the NBA Section on Public Interest and Development Law Monday Ubani.
The sole academic to receive the honour is Professor Ganiu Adeyemi.
Before finalizing the list, the LPPC had invited public comments on the integrity and qualifications of the listed applicants.
It was emphasized that the publication of the names was not indicative of the outcome.
The SAN rank is conferred on those who have practiced law with distinction for a minimum of ten years, and often enhances a practitioner’s prospects of being appointed to the judiciary.
A release issued by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court and Secretary, LPPC, Hajo Sarki Bello on Monday but published on Wednesday, invited the general public to comment on the character and reputation of the applicants.
The shortlisted candidates list comprises two categories: advocate applicants and academic applicants.
A total of 94 applicants comprising 87 advocate applicants and seven academic applicants applied.
The statement says, “The general public is hereby invited to comment on the integrity, reputation and competence of the above-listed applicants.
“Every complaint(s) must be accompanied with (sic) a verifying affidavit deposed to by the author before a superior court of record in Nigeria or before a Notary Public and be in twenty (20) copies.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the publication of the names of the shortlisted applicants is not an indication of their success in the process.”
The SAN, one of the highest honours bestowed upon legal practitioners in Nigeria, signifies recognition for excellence in advocacy, legal practice, and contribution to the development of law.
Its history is linked with the British legal system, the foundation of Nigeria’s legal framework during colonial rule.
Before Nigeria gained independence in 1960, legal practitioners in the country followed the British tradition, with Queen’s Counsel (QC) being the highest honour.
However, after independence, there was a push to establish a Nigerian equivalent that would recognise local legal expertise and achievements.
In 1975, the Legal Practitioners Act was amended to create the position of Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
The appointment of Senior Advocates of Nigeria is overseen by the LPPC, which consists of legal professionals and representatives from the judiciary.
Some of the selection criteria include legal knowledge and expertise, integrity, professionalism, contribution to legal development, advocacy, legal advisory and others.
Newly Elevated Senior Advocates of Nigeria:
1. Lateef Karim, Esq.
2. Godwin Ike, Esq.
3. Johnson Odionu, Esq.
4. Nnodim Duru, Esq.
5. Innocent Ovbagbedia, Esq.
6. Soronnadi Njoku, Esq.
7. Adamu Abubakar, Esq.
8. Charles Musa, Esq.
9. Udochi Iheanacho, Esq.
10. David Onietan, Esq.
11. Elele Casmir, Esq.
12. Josiah Nduka, Esq.
13. Godwin Obeta, Esq.
14. Habeeb Ilavbare, Esq.
15. Moses Obafemi, Esq.
16. Mathew Esonanjor, Esq.
17. Baba Dalah, Esq.
18. Babatunde Sodipo, Esq.
19. Mustapha Abubakar, Esq.
20. Emmanuel Esene, Esq.
21. Henry Bello, Esq.
22. Boniface Moore, Esq.
23. Clement Ezika, Esq.
24. Omokayode Dada, Esq.
25. Edwin Anikwem, Esq.
26. Roy Nwaeze, Esq.
27. Olumide Olugbenga, Esq.
28. Monday Ubani, Esq.
29. Ayoola Ajayi, Esq.
30. Paul Obi, Esq.
31. Olasupo Ati-John, Esq.
32. Cole Ololade, Esq.
33. Charles Adeogun-Phillips, Esq.
34. Okechukwu Ajunwa, Esq.
35. Jacob Ifere, Esq.
36. Emmanuel Adekile, Esq.
37. Christopher Okeke, Esq.
38. Oluronke Adeyemi, Esq.
39. Oluwole Olawale Afolabi, Esq.
40. Toboukebide Kekemeke, Esq.
41. Akinbamigbe Adesomoju, Esq.
42. Victor Owarienomare Odjemu, Esq.
43. Josiah Ojochide Daniel-Ebune, Esq.
44. Olukunle Ogheneovo Edun, Esq.
45. Abdulaziz Enebi Ibrahim, Esq.
46. Stanley Chidozie Imo, Esq.
47. Charles Oladipo Titiloye, Esq.
48. Abdulkarim Kana Abubakar, Esq.
49. Kingsley Chuku, Esq.
50. Adeyinka Oluwaseun Aderemi, Esq.
51. Olaolu Akintunde Owolabi, Esq.
52. Adedeji Sharafadeen Abdulkadir, Esq.
53. Idowu Omotunde Benson, Esq.
54. Kolawole James Olowookere, Esq.
55. Chinasa Thelma Unaegbunam, Esq.
56. Ademola Oluwawolemi Esan, Esq.
57. Omosanya Atilola Popoola, Esq.
58. Taiye Ayotunde Oniyide, Esq.
59. Emonye Oga Adekwu, Esq.
60. Aderemi Oguntoye, Esq.
61. Kashopefoluwa Olawale Balogun, Esq.
62. Abdul Adamu, Esq.
63. Theodore Ezeobi, Esq.
64. Rilwan Umar, Esq.
65. Chienye Okafor, Esq.
66. Kaka Lawan, Esq.
67. Abba Muhammed, Esq.
68. Wendy Kuku, Esq.
69. Ekele Iheanacho, Esq.
70. Okechukwu Edeze, Esq.
71. Akinyemi Olujinmi, Esq.
72. Gyang Yaya Zi, Esq.
73. Idris Abubakar, Esq.
74. George Ibrahim, Esq.
75. Boonyameen Lawal, Esq.
76. Terkaa Aondo, Esq.
77. Tochukwu Tochukwu, Esq.
78. Uchenna Njoku, Esq.
79. Paul Daudu, Esq.
80. Chukwudi Enebeli, Esq.
81. Yusuf Ogunrinde, Esq.
82. Tobechukwu Nweke, Esq.
83. Ademola Abimbola, Esq.
84. Yunus Abdulsalam, Esq.
85. Mofesomo Tayo-Oyetibo, Esq.
86. Chukwuemeka Nnawuchi, Esq.
87. Prof. Ganiyu Oke
