By Prosper Mene | July 31, 2026
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has ordered lawyers and court officials to immediately stop using the title “Barrister” as a prefix to their names in all engagements at the Supreme Court.
The directive was contained in a memorandum dated July 13, 2026, and signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi.
Addressed to litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars and lawyers, the circular described the use of “Barrister” as “inappropriate and inconsistent with the standards of professionalism expected within the Supreme Court of Nigeria.”
“I am directed by the Honourable, the Chief Justice of Nigeria to notify all Litigation Staff, Legal Practitioners, Court Registrars, and Lawyers that the use of the title ‘Barrister’ as a prefix to names is inappropriate,” the memo stated.
The CJN further directed that the title be dropped from all official correspondence, records, documents, identity materials, and any other official engagement.
“Consequently, all officers concerned are hereby directed to discontinue the use of the title ‘Barrister’ before their names in all official correspondence, records, documents, identity materials, and any other official engagements with immediate effect,” it added.
To ensure compliance, the Chief Justice directed Heads of Departments and Unit Heads to enforce the order among officers under their supervision.
“Heads of Departments and Unit Heads are requested to ensure strict compliance with this directive by all officers under their supervision. Please be guided accordingly,” the memo read.
The Supreme Court directive comes weeks after the Council of Legal Education cautioned prospective lawyers against wearing wigs and gowns or presenting themselves as qualified legal practitioners before being called to the Nigerian Bar.
The Council warned that such conduct undermines the dignity of the legal profession and said violators could face disciplinary measures. It also reminded candidates that the use of legal regalia is governed by the Rules of Professional Conduct and is reserved for duly qualified legal practitioners.
The CJN’s latest order is part of ongoing efforts to uphold decorum and professional standards at the apex court.
