Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun
The Nigerian Law Society has rejected the directive of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, asking lawyers to stop using “Barrister” as a title and adopt “Esquire” instead.
The society argued that the directive has no clear basis in existing legislation.
Recall that the CJN directed lawyers and court officials to immediately discontinue the use of “Barrister” before their names in official engagements at the Supreme Court.
The directive was contained in a July 13, 2026 memo signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi, and addressed to legal practitioners, court registrars and other lawyers.
