Lagos Lawyers Back CJN’s Ban on ‘Barrister’ Title, Call It a Return to Professional Tradition
Lagos Lawyers Back CJN’s Ban on ‘Barrister’ Title, Call It a Return to Professional Tradition
Kunle Awosiyan
Some lawyers in Lagos have expressed support for the directive by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, prohibiting the use of the title “Barrister” before the names of legal practitioners in all official dealings with the Supreme Court.
The directive, which takes immediate effect, is part of ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening professionalism and standardising official documentation at the nation’s apex court.
Reacting to the development, several legal practitioners described the move as a welcome step towards aligning legal practice in Nigeria with established professional traditions.
Constitutional lawyer Jiti Ogunye said the use of “Barrister” as a prefix before a lawyer’s name has never been a formal requirement of the legal profession, noting that lawyers are better identified by their names and, where applicable, recognised professional distinctions such as Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
Another Lagos-based legal practitioner, who preferred not to be named, said the directive would promote uniformity in court processes and eliminate a long-standing but unofficial practice.
“The profession is about competence and integrity, not titles. If the Supreme Court has decided to standardise official documentation, lawyers should embrace it,” he said.
The development comes weeks after the Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Chief Albert Akpomudje (SAN), cautioned newly called lawyers against using “Barrister” as a prefix before their names, explaining that it is not a professional title recognised for such use.
Justice Kekere-Ekun’s latest directive requires lawyers and court officials to discontinue the use of the title in all filings, correspondence and official records relating to the Supreme Court.
The move is seen as part of the Chief Justice’s broader judicial reform agenda, which includes the digitalisation of court processes, the introduction of electronic filing and efforts to improve efficiency and professionalism within Nigeria’s judicial system.
