On Monday, September 29, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. West Africa Time, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, will preside over one of the most significant ceremonies in the nation’s legal calendar: the swearing-in of 57 newly appointed Senior Advocates of Nigeria at the Supreme Court of Nigeria’s Main Courtroom in Abuja. This event formally kicks off the 2025/2026 legal year — a tradition dating back decades — and arrives amid mounting public pressure to restore faith in a justice system still grappling with delays, backlog, and perceptions of elitism.
A Historic Batch of ‘Silks’
The list of 57 appointees, released by the Legal Practitioners' Privileges Committee on July 24, 2025, includes 56 practicing lawyers and one academic — the largest single cohort since 2021. Three petitions challenging the eligibility of certain candidates were dismissed as baseless, according to Kabir Eniola, Secretary of the LPPC and Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court. Among the most notable names is Preye Agedah, former Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary of the Bayelsa State Ministry of Justice, who also becomes the first person from Bayelsa State to be named a Life Bencher — a rare honor reserved for those who’ve shaped legal education and ethics. Equally significant is Chima Josephat Ubanyionwu, a legal scholar and ex-chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association’s Aguata Branch, selected under the academic category — a reminder that intellectual contribution matters as much as courtroom prowess.
The Weight of the Silk Robe
Being named a Senior Advocate of Nigeria isn’t just a title — it’s a transformation. Recipients earn the right to wear silk robes in court, a visual symbol that sets them apart from other lawyers. They’re granted front-row seating, priority in case listings, and, by custom, the expectation to mentor younger practitioners. But as Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun made clear during the mandatory induction program, this is no mere decoration. ‘You have now become the focus of the profession,’ she said through her representative. ‘It is not merely an honor. It is a solemn trust, a batch of responsibility and a call to leadership.’
The Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria echoed this sentiment, warning that privilege without accountability erodes public trust. In a legal system where cases often languish for years, the new SANs are being watched closely. Will they use their influence to push for faster hearings? To challenge procedural abuses? To mentor pro bono lawyers in underserved states? The answer will determine whether this group becomes a force for reform — or just another elite club.
The State of the Judiciary
The swearing-in ceremony doubles as the annual State of the Judiciary address. Justice Kekere-Ekun will deliver a candid review of the 2024/2025 legal year, which ended on July 21, 2025, after what court officials called a ‘remarkably successful’ session. That success, however, masks persistent problems: over 4.2 million pending cases nationwide, according to the National Judicial Council’s 2024 report. In the Supreme Court alone, some appeals have waited over five years for hearing.
Key voices will weigh in during the ceremony — the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, and the Chairman of the Body of SANs. Their speeches are expected to address three urgent issues: the need for digital case management systems, the reform of judicial appointments, and the role of SANs in combating corruption within the courts. One senior lawyer in Lagos told us, ‘If these new silks don’t speak up about delays, who will? They’re the ones who can get cases heard tomorrow — not in five years.’
More Than Ceremony: A Moment of Accountability
This year’s batch arrives at a critical juncture. Public confidence in the judiciary has been shaken by high-profile corruption cases, slow verdicts in electoral disputes, and the perception that SAN appointments sometimes favor political connections over merit. The LPPC’s rejection of three petitions may have cleared the slate, but questions linger. Why did only one academic make the cut? Why are so few women represented? Why do some states consistently produce more SANs than others?
News Central TV reported on September 22 that these issues dominated private discussions among legal practitioners in the weeks leading up to the ceremony. The fact that the event is being held in Abuja — the political capital — rather than Lagos or Port Harcourt, underscores its symbolic weight. This isn’t just about robes and titles. It’s about whether the legal profession can reclaim its moral authority.
What Comes Next?
The Supreme Court’s vacation period, which ran from late July through September, is over. Now, the real work begins. The 57 new SANs will be expected to lead by example — not just in courtroom decorum, but in advocating for systemic change. Will they lobby for mandatory e-filing? Push for stricter timelines on judgments? Fund legal aid clinics in rural areas? Their actions in the next 12 months will define whether this year’s class is remembered as ceremonial… or catalytic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What privileges do Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) receive?
SANs enjoy exclusive courtroom privileges, including front-row seating, priority in case listings, and the right to wear silk robes — hence their nickname, ‘silks.’ They also have the authority to file motions directly before the Supreme Court without prior leave, and are often consulted on complex legal matters by both courts and government agencies. These privileges are meant to reflect their expertise, but they come with the expectation of higher ethical standards.
How are SANs selected in Nigeria?
Candidates are vetted by the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee, which evaluates their legal practice, published works, reputation, and contributions to the profession. Applications require endorsements from five existing SANs and must include evidence of at least 15 years of practice. Academic candidates must have published widely and taught law at a recognized university. The committee dismisses petitions if they lack credible evidence, as happened with three applicants ahead of the 2025 list.
Why is the appointment of a Life Bencher significant?
A Life Bencher is a rare honor bestowed upon individuals who’ve made extraordinary contributions to legal education and professional ethics — often through teaching, mentoring, or reform advocacy. Preye Agedah is the first person from Bayelsa State to receive this distinction, signaling a rare recognition of legal talent from Nigeria’s Niger Delta region. Unlike SANs, Life Benchers are not required to be practicing lawyers; they’re chosen for their lasting impact on the legal system.
How does this year’s number of SANs compare to previous years?
With 57 appointees, this is the largest cohort since 2021, when 61 were sworn in. The average over the past five years has been around 42 per year. The 2025 increase reflects both a backlog of qualified applicants and a deliberate effort by the LPPC to diversify the pool — though critics note that gender and regional representation still lag, with only 11 women among the 57 new SANs.
What impact could the new SANs have on Nigeria’s court delays?
The 4.2 million pending cases nationwide are a crisis. New SANs, with their influence and access to top courts, are uniquely positioned to push for reforms — like enforcing strict timelines for judgments or advocating for digital case tracking. Some have already pledged to take on pro bono cases in under-resourced states. But without institutional backing, their individual efforts may not move the needle. Their real power lies in collective advocacy — and whether they choose to use it.
Is the SAN system in Nigeria still relevant today?
Yes — but its credibility depends on transparency. Established in 1975, the SAN title remains Nigeria’s highest legal honor and is widely respected internationally. However, perceptions of favoritism and political influence have damaged its image. The dismissal of three petitions this year and the inclusion of an academic candidate suggest the LPPC is trying to restore integrity. For the system to endure, the new SANs must prove they serve justice — not just their own prestige.
