By Theophilus Onojeghen
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has sworn in 68 legal practitioners, including former President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Mr. Eric Omare, Onome Okodiya and James Eromosele Agbonhese, as Senior Advocates of Nigeria.
The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Supreme Court Complex in Abuja during activities marking the 2026/2027 legal year.
The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee had approved the elevation of the 68 lawyers at its 174th plenary session held in Abuja in July.
Speaking at the ceremony, Kekere-Ekun urged judicial officers to embrace reforms and technology to accelerate the administration of justice, citing the increasing number of cases before the courts.
The CJN disclosed that more than 2,000 cases were filed at the Supreme Court during the year under review, with civil matters accounting for the majority.
She said the growing caseload made it necessary for the judiciary to adopt measures that would improve efficiency and ensure timely adjudication of cases.
Kekere-Ekun also cautioned lawyers against discrediting court judgments in the media, stressing the need for legal practitioners to respect judicial processes and uphold public confidence in the justice system.
Among those elevated to the rank of SAN are Ibrahim Gamdeh Adamu, Jude Chukwuemeka Okafor, Godwill Achibong Umoh, Sunday Samuel Obende, Adebayo Olugbenga Adaralegbe, Jimson Ejovi Okodaso, Olalekan Lawrence Bade-John, Olaotan Thomas Olusegun and Philemeon Audu Daffi.
Others include: Adenrele David Adegborioye, James Eromosele Agbonhese, Alexander Nduka Muoka, Onome Okodiya, Emmanuel Akunke Akomaye, Ikhide Ehighelua, Mas’ud Mobolaji Alabelewe, Ogunmuyiwa Olayinka Balogun and Anthony Auditz Iroagalachi.
The list also includes: Mohammed Tajudeen Mohammed, Odion Peter Odia, Gbemiga Adaramola, Moses Okoh Onyilokwu, Charles Azubuike Obodozie, Hakeem Obafemi Agaba, Bimbo Felix Atilola, Okechukwu Steve Emelieze, Joshua Demilade Olaniyan and Igonikon Abiola Adekunle.
Other appointees are Christian Nnadozie Nwokorie, Sadiku Momoh Ilegieuno, Sarafa Kolawole Idowu, Olujoke Enitan Alius, Oliver Onyenucheya Amuzie, Adebisi Emmanuel Adeniyi, Faruk Abdullah, Sagir Gezawa Suleiman, Ifeanyi Godwin Ezeuko and Adebayo Folorunsho Ologe.
The list further includes Sabiu Gumba Adamu, Eric Keme-Egolukumor Omare, Soibi Ideriah Ovia, Somina Peter Johnbull, Chinedum Ikenna Umeche, Emmanuel Eghiegba Ekhasemomhe, Mohammed El-Hassan Sheriff, Junaidu Bello Marshall, Olawale Sunday Fapohunda and Adebiyi Alaba Adetosoye.
Others are Senior Sulyman Ibrahim, Agba Eimunjeze, Ayobamidele Oyekunle Akande, Adetunji Taiwo Adedoyin Adeniyi, Olamide Mojigbotoluwa Adekunle, Umaru Yunusa, Akorede Habeeb Lawal, Darlington Nnabuike Ozurumba and Nnaemeka Francis Patrick Egonu.
The remaining appointees include Kayode Orire Omosehin, Mitchel Akinrinsola Aribisala, Bolu Agbaje Akadri, Oluwaseun Asimiyu Alao, Olugbenga Olusanya Ajala, Mustapha Olayinka Ajenifuja, Afees Hassan Adebayo, Mohammed Abiodun Adelodun, Jonathan Akintola Makinde and Olajide Salami.
Professor Nnamdi Onyeka Obiaraeri was listed as the only successful academic applicant.
The rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria is conferred on legal practitioners in recognition of distinguished standing and achievement in the legal profession.
