Supreme Court bans ‘Barrister’ as name prefix for lawyers
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has ordered lawyers and court officials to stop using the title “Barrister” as a prefix to their names in all Supreme Court official matters. The directive, signed by the Chief Registrar Kabir Akanbi, aims to uphold professionalism at the apex court. The memorandum calls for immediate compliance and instructs department heads to enforce the new rule. The move follows recent warnings from the Council of Legal Education about maintaining standards in the legal profession.
What we know
- Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun directed that the title “Barrister” should no longer be used as a name prefix in official Supreme Court engagements.
- The order was communicated in a memorandum dated July 13, 2026, signed by Kabir Akanbi.
- All litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars, and lawyers are required to comply immediately.
- Department and unit heads have been instructed to ensure strict adherence to the directive.
- The decision follows recent cautions from the Council of Legal Education against unqualified use of legal regalia and titles.
