Law society disputes CJN’s directive on ‘Barrister’ title
The Nigerian Law Society has challenged a directive from Chief Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun instructing lawyers to stop using the title “Barrister” and adopt “Esquire” instead. The society argues that the directive lacks a clear legal foundation and is not supported by the Legal Practitioners Act, 1962. Dr Tonye Jaja of the NLS claims that neither the CJN nor other legal bodies can impose requirements not expressly stated in the law. The debate has also highlighted inconsistencies in the recognition of other legal titles within the profession.
What we know
- The CJN’s directive to discontinue the use of “Barrister” was communicated in a memo dated July 13, 2026, signed by Chief Registrar Kabir Akanbi.
- The Nigerian Law Society says the Legal Practitioners Act, 1962, recognises “Barrister” and “Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria” as valid titles.
- Dr Tonye Jaja argues that “Esquire” is not provided for in any relevant Nigerian legislation.
- The society accuses the CJN and the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee of inconsistency in how professional titles like “Blue Silks” and “Senior Counsel of Nigeria” are treated.
- The NLS maintains that the absence of a title from statute does not automatically make its use unlawful, citing guidelines established under Section 40 of the Constitution and Section 19 of the National Assembly Service Commission Act, 2014.
