CJN Kekere-Ekun Bans Lawyers From Using 'Barrister' Title In Supreme Court Dealings

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has directed lawyers and court officials to stop using the title "Barrister" as a prefix to their names in all official engagements with the Supreme Court, with the directive taking effect immediately and applying to legal practitioners and court personnel nationwide.

The Directive
The order was conveyed in a memorandum dated July 13, 2026, titled "Prohibition of the Use of the Title Barrister as a Prefix to Names," and signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi. It was addressed to litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars and lawyers engaged in official business with the apex court, and covers official correspondence, court records, legal documents and identity materials.

Kekere-Ekun's position, as conveyed through the Registrar, was that using "Barrister" as a prefix to names is inappropriate and inconsistent with the standards of professionalism expected within the Supreme Court of Nigeria. Heads of departments and unit heads have been directed to ensure compliance among officers under their supervision.

Why It Matters
While every lawyer called to the Nigerian Bar is formally enrolled as a "Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria," that designation forms part of the legal qualification itself rather than a mandatory prefix for use in official documentation a distinction the CJN's directive is now enforcing at the country's highest court. Notably, the circular did not address the post nominal "Esq." (Esquire), which remains in common use among Nigerian lawyers.

Part Of A Wider Push On Professional Standards
The directive follows closely on the heels of a warning from the Council of Legal Education to prospective lawyers, cautioning them against wearing legal wigs and gowns or otherwise presenting themselves as qualified practitioners before they have been formally called to the Nigerian Bar. The council stressed that legal regalia is reserved exclusively for lawyers who have been called to the Bar in accordance with the Rules of Professional Conduct, warning that violations could attract disciplinary action.

Taken together, the two moves point to a broader effort by Nigeria's judicial leadership to tighten professional standards and protect the integrity of legal titles and courtroom conduct within the profession.

Mustapha Bature Sallama.
Medical/ Science Communicator,
Private Investigator, Criminal investigation and Intelligence Analysis.
International Conflict Management and Peace Building.USIP
[email protected]
+233-555-275-880

References
Legit.ng, "Breaking: CJN Bans Nigerian Lawyers from Using 'Barrister' Title, Announces What They Must Use," July 2026, https://www.legit.ng/nigeria/1722566-breaking-nigerian-lawyers-barred-using-barrister-title/

Tribune Online, "CJN bans use of 'Barrister' title by lawyers, others," July 2026, https://tribuneonlineng.com/cjn-bans-use-of-barrister-title-by-lawyers-others/

Nigeria Info FM, "CJN Bans Lawyers From Using 'Barrister' at the Supreme Court," July 2026, https://www.nigeriainfo.fm/port-harcourt/news/national/cjn-bans-lawyers-from-using-barrister-at-the-supreme-court/
QED.NG,

"CJN Kekere-Ekun bans lawyers from using 'Barrister' title," July 2026, https://www.qed.ng/cjn-kekere-ekun-bans-lawyers-from-using-barrister-title/