New ‘SILKs’ Unveiled…

The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) recently conferred the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) on 21 legal practitioners.

A total of 124 applications were received by the LPPC this year, comprising of three academics and 18 advocates. 50 were earlier shortlisted but only 21 out of this number made the final list of awardees. These include:

Abimbola Akeredolu – the only female lawyer in the list, Muiz Banire, Edward Ashiekaa, Benson Nwankwo, Joseph Sunday Bamigboye, Patrick Okolo, Maxwell Gidado, Tahir Mamman and Akinpelu Onigbinde.

Others are Adeniyi Adegbonmire, Olumuyiwa Akinboro, Ibrahim Bawa, Samuel Zibiri, , Aderibigbe Adedeji, Emmanuel Chinwe Aguma, Emeka Etiaba, Gordy Uche, Uche Val Obi, Kehinde Eleja, Paul Idornigie and Dr. Oladapo Olumide Olanipekun.

The title, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) is conferred on legal practitioners in Nigeria of not less than ten years’ standing and who have distinguished themselves in the legal profession. It is the equivalent of the rank of Queen’s Counsel in the United Kingdom, from which Nigeria became independent in 1960 (Republic 1963), as well as in South Australia, the Northern Territory, and Canada (except Ontario and Quebec). Several countries use similar designations such as Senior Counsel, State Counsel, Senior Advocate, and President’s Advocate. A Senior Advocate of Nigeria is said to have been admitted to the “Inner Bar”, as distinguished from the “Outer” Bar, consisting of junior advocates.

The conferment is made in accordance with the Legal Practitioners Act 207 Section 5 (1) by the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee, headed by the Chief Justice (as Chairman).

Meet the new Senior Advocates of Nigeria!