In the world of Nigerian law, it doesn’t get any higher—except maybe the Bench—than the coveted rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). And now, 57 legal practitioners can proudly add those three powerful letters after their names.
At its 169th plenary session held in Abuja, the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC), chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, gave the green light for this year’s elevations. A total of 56 advocates and just one academic made the prestigious list.
Among the newly minted SANs are names familiar to the legal and political communities:
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Mrs Oyinkan Badejo-Okusanya, a leading light in the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and chair of the 2024 Annual General Conference Planning Committee.
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Mrs Chinyere Ekene Moneme, one of only two women on this year’s list—yes, just two out of 57.
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Ikechukwu Uwanna, the Attorney General of Abia State and a former chairman of NBA Lagos.
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Labaran Magaji, who went from Attorney General of Nasarawa State to Secretary to the State Government.
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Oluwole Jimi-Bada, the serving Attorney General of Osun State.
Also making headlines is Prof. Chima Ubanyionwu, the lone academic honoured this year. His contributions to legal education and scholarship earned him the nod under the academic category—a rare feat in a system often dominated by courtroom warriors.
For many lawyers, becoming a SAN is not just an achievement; it’s the holy grail. It’s a recognition of years—sometimes decades—of tireless advocacy, meticulous research, courtroom brilliance, and often, surviving a mountain of paperwork and an ocean of competition.
The LPPC doesn’t hand out the honour lightly. Every name on the list was scrutinised, background-checked, and, in some cases, even petitioned against. Three such petitions were submitted this year but, according to the committee, all were “found to be lacking in merit and accordingly dismissed.”
It’s not all agbada and celebration yet. The would-be SANs must complete a Pre-Swearing-In Induction Programme—a BOSAN (Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria) directive to ensure they don’t just carry the title but understand its weight.
And come Monday, 29th September 2025, the new Senior Advocates will be sworn in officially, likely in a grand ceremony attended by the who’s who of Nigeria’s legal elite. Expect robes, smiles, and possibly a few teary eyes—especially from proud family members who’ve watched these lawyers grind through years of hard work.
While the recognition is worth celebrating, the gender imbalance on this year’s list has not gone unnoticed. Only two women among 57 honourees? The legal profession, like many others, still has some catching up to do in reflecting the strength and diversity of its talent pool.
As one young female lawyer in Lagos joked, “If I make SAN in this country, I’ll throw my own induction party before the official one—because e no easy!”
Still, for the 57 lawyers who cracked the code this year, the SAN title is a badge of honour, a career milestone, and a call to even greater service in justice and nation-building.
For now, we say: SANs in the making, take a bow. You’ve earned it.
FULL LIST
Theophilus Kolawole Esan, Esq
Fedude Zimughan, Esq
Ernest Chikwendu Ikejle, Esq
Victor Esiri Akpoguma, Esq
Leslie Akujuobi Njemanze, Esq
Akintunde Wilson Adewale, Esq
Preye Agedah, Esq
Omamuzo Erebe, Esq
Hannibal Egbe Uwaifo, Esq
Olumide Ekisola, Esq
George Ejie Ukaegbu, Esq
Oromena Justice Ajakpovi, Esq
Tairu Adebayo, Esq
Bawa Akhimie Osali Ibrahim, Esq
Suleh Umar, Esq
Emeka Akabogu, Esq
Godwin Sunday Ogboji, Esq
Godwin Aimuagbonrie Idiagbonya, Esq
Adeolu Olusegun Salako, Esq
Adetunji Oso, Esq
Achinike Godwin William-Wobodo, Esq
Shuaib Agbarere Mustapha, Esq
