The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has directed all legal practitioners and court officials to discontinue the use of the title "Barrister" as a prefix in every official engagement with the Supreme Court. The directive was issued through a memorandum dated July 13, 2026, and signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi. It takes effect immediately, affecting all staff and lawyers who interact with the apex court on official matters.
The circular quoted the CJN directly as stating that the use of "Barrister" is "inappropriate and inconsistent with the standards of professionalism expected within the Supreme Court of Nigeria." The order applies to litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars, and all lawyers handling official business with the court. The memo further says that all officers concerned must stop using the title before their names in all official correspondence, records, documents, identity materials, and any other official engagements.
Scope of the directive
The full scope of the ban was spelled out in the memorandum. All affected personnel must remove the "Barrister" designation from:
- Official correspondence
- Court records
- Legal documents
- Identity materials
- Any other official engagement with the Supreme Court
Department and unit heads have been tasked with enforcing compliance among their team members. According to The Cable, the measure is designed to standardise professional identity and eliminate inconsistencies in how legal practitioners present themselves before the nation’s highest court.
Why the "Barrister" title has been a subject of debate
In Nigerian legal practice, the title "Barrister" has long been associated with lawyers who are qualified to appear before superior courts. After being called to the Bar, legal practitioners are formally enrolled as Barristers and Solicitors of the Supreme Court. That enrolment is part of their professional qualification, but the mandatory use of the prefix has never been legally fixed.
Many lawyers choose to use the title voluntarily in their correspondence, signage and public profiles. Others prefer to use other distinctions, such as Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), or other academic and professional qualifications, as reported by Daily Trust. This variation has often created confusion, especially in official documents and court filings.
By issuing this directive, the Supreme Court aims to bring uniformity to official documentation and communication. The new rule will ensure that all lawyers and court personnel identify themselves in a consistent, professional manner during formal interactions with the court, regardless of personal preference.
Reaction from the legal community
The announcement has sparked reactions from across the legal and civil society space. Deji Adeyanju, a well-known activist and public commentator, praised the Chief Justice for the decision.
"I commend the CJN for this clarification from the Supreme Court. This is a welcome development and reinforces what the LPDC settled years ago. The proper professional designation has always been 'Esq'. Perhaps now we can finally leave 'Barrister' where it belongs with Ayinde Barrister and Barrister Smooth."
Adeyanju’s comment highlights an interesting cultural dimension. The name "Barrister" is widely recognised in Nigeria not only in legal circles but also as a stage name in the entertainment industry. Ayinde Barrister and Barrister Smooth are prominent musicians in the country. This cultural overlap has at times blurred the professional significance of the title, making the CJN’s clarification all the more necessary.
CJN’s broader push for judicial integrity
The title ban is the latest in a series of administrative reforms introduced under Justice Kekere-Ekun’s leadership of the judiciary. It forms part of an ongoing effort to strengthen professionalism, discipline and public confidence in Nigeria’s courts.
In previous remarks covered by Legit.ng, the CJN urged the judiciary to protect its integrity ahead of the 2027 general elections. She stressed that public confidence in the courts would be critical to national stability during the electoral season. The new directive on the "Barrister" prefix aligns with that vision, underscoring the Supreme Court’s commitment to maintaining high institutional standards.
As Nigerian lawyers adjust to the change, the directive is expected to shape the way legal practitioners present themselves not only inside the Supreme Court but also in the wider legal profession. While it does not stop lawyers using "Barrister" in other capacities, the message from the apex court is clear: professionalism starts with the simplest details.
