The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) has suspended prominent lawyer and constitutional rights advocate, Chief Mike Ozekhome, from using the prestigious title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) pending the conclusion of ongoing disciplinary proceedings against him.
The decision was announced in a statement issued on Thursday by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi, who also serves as Secretary of the LPPC.
According to the statement, the committee approved the suspension during its 173rd General Meeting held on June 23, 2026.
The LPPC said the action was taken in line with Paragraph 26(6) of the Guidelines for the Conferment of the Rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria and all matters relating to the rank.
The committee explained that the temporary suspension is linked to disciplinary proceedings currently before its Disciplinary and Ethics Sub-Committee, as well as other related matters under review.
As a result of the decision, Ozekhome is barred from presenting himself as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria until the disciplinary cases against him are concluded and a final decision is reached.
The statement directed the senior lawyer to comply strictly with the terms of the suspension throughout the period of the investigation.
“Accordingly, Chief Mike Ozekhome shall refrain from parading himself, presenting himself, or otherwise holding himself out as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria pending the final determination of the disciplinary proceedings,” the statement said.
The LPPC noted that the measure was necessary to preserve the integrity, dignity and prestige of the SAN rank while the allegations and issues before the committee are being examined.
It added that the committee remains committed to maintaining high ethical standards within the legal profession and ensuring that holders of the SAN title continue to uphold the values associated with the rank.
“The LPPC remains committed to upholding the highest standards of professional ethics, integrity and discipline within the legal profession,” the statement added.
The announcement has drawn significant attention within legal circles because of Ozekhome’s status as one of Nigeria’s most prominent lawyers and public commentators.
For decades, Ozekhome has been a familiar figure in the country’s legal and political landscape. He has handled numerous high-profile cases involving constitutional law, human rights, election disputes and public interest litigation.
Known for his outspoken views on governance, democracy and the rule of law, Ozekhome has frequently appeared before appellate courts, including the Supreme Court, and has represented politicians, activists, government institutions and private citizens in major legal battles.
His suspension from using the SAN title, even temporarily, is therefore considered a significant development within Nigeria’s legal profession.
The rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria is the highest professional distinction awarded to legal practitioners in the country. It is often compared to the rank of Queen’s Counsel or King’s Counsel in the United Kingdom.
The title is conferred on lawyers who have distinguished themselves through excellence in advocacy, legal scholarship and contributions to the development of the legal profession.
Lawyers who attain the rank enjoy considerable prestige and are regarded as leaders within the Bar. They are also expected to maintain the highest standards of ethics and professional conduct.
The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee, which is responsible for awarding the rank, also has the authority to discipline SAN holders where necessary.
The committee is chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria and consists of senior judicial officers, legal practitioners and representatives of relevant professional bodies.
Under its rules, the LPPC can investigate allegations of misconduct involving SAN holders and take appropriate measures where it believes the integrity of the rank may be affected.
Although the committee did not disclose details of the allegations or disciplinary issues involving Ozekhome, legal observers note that the decision to suspend a SAN title is relatively uncommon and often attracts widespread attention within the profession.
The suspension does not amount to a finding of guilt, as the disciplinary proceedings are still ongoing. The outcome will depend on the findings of the relevant committee after reviewing the issues before it.
They note that while the SAN title is a mark of excellence and achievement, holders of the rank are also expected to meet strict standards of conduct both within and outside the courtroom.
The development has already sparked discussions among lawyers and legal stakeholders regarding professional discipline and accountability within the Bar.
For now, Ozekhome remains unable to use the SAN title until the committee concludes its proceedings and issues a final decision on the matter.
The legal community is expected to closely monitor the case as it unfolds, given Ozekhome’s influence within the profession and the significance of the SAN rank in Nigeria’s justice system.