CJN Inaugurates 87 New SANs, Advocates for Judicial Respect
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, on Monday, inducted 87 legal practitioners into the highly coveted rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), during a special session of the Supreme Court that celebrated the beginning of the 2024/2025 legal year.
The inauguration was particularly notable, as it marked Justice Kekere-Ekun’s first official duty after being sworn in the same day as the substantive CJN by President Bola Tinubu following her confirmation by the Nigerian Senate last week.
In her speech, Kekere-Ekun emphasised the immense responsibility that comes with the SAN title.
“I congratulate the 87 successful Senior Advocates that have just been sworn in. Your success did not come on a platter of gold. You have worked for it. You deserve every privilege, honour and pride that comes with it. As Senior Advocates of Nigeria, you carry on your shoulders a lot of responsibilities.
“From this moment, your behaviour and general conduct will now be publicly scrutinised by all those who come in contact with you. Watch your utterances, watch your actions and watch your utterances, watch your actions and watch your company, as you now have an even higher responsibility to assist the court in attaining justice, equity and fairness. You must display enormous integrity, self-discipline, leadership and high standards of advocacy”, she said.
She, however, reminded them that the rank was a privilege that could be withdrawn if abused.
Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, also issued a stern warning to both individuals and institutions about the importance of adhering to court orders, emphasizing that compliance with these orders is imperative and not open to negotiation.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria emphasized that individuals, regardless of their social standing, must respect the courts. She pointed out that ignoring court orders or failing to comply with judicial directives constitutes a serious challenge to democratic principles and poses a threat of chaos.
“Obedience to court orders is non-negotiable. No individual or institution, irrespective of their standing, will be permitted to treat the judgments of our courts with levity or disregard. The judiciary stands resolute in ensuring that the sanctity of our legal decisions is upheld.
“All hands must be on deck in fostering an unwavering commitment to the full enthronement of the rule of law.
“As such, it is critical that we respect and observe all the features of an enduring democracy, for in doing so, we maintain the delicate balance that sustains our society. Let us, therefore, work collectively and tirelessly to ensure that Nigeria continues to abide by the rule of law, uphold the best democratic practices, and remain vigilant in the protection of her citizens’ rights.”
“This trajectory is unsustainable for a nation striving for economic development and human capital growth.
“Educating Nigerians on the benefits of alternative dispute resolution is a collective task for all stakeholders in the justice sector. In this regard, concerted efforts are being made to ensure that the Supreme Court Mediation Centre becomes operational to make the desired impact in the new legal year,” she said.
Speaking further, Kekere-Ekun pledged to uphold the values of honesty, transparency, and integrity within the judiciary.
Below is the list of the newly inductees:
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
