COURT DISPUTE: THE BODY OF SENIOR COUNSEL OF NIGERIA AND THE NIGERIAN LEGAL SOCIETY HAVE TAKEN CHARGE OF AWARDING THE BLUE SILK RANK
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By:Tajudeen Aminat
Amid an ongoing legal dispute over the Blue Silks rank introduced by the Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners (ALDRAP) as an alternative to the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) title, new developments suggest that other bodies have now stepped in to oversee the controversial designation.
A statement released on Thursday indicated that the Body of Senior Counsel of Nigeria (BOSCON) and the Nigerian Legal Society (NLS) will henceforth be responsible for conferring the Blue Silks rank on qualified and interested legal practitioners.
The development follows a lawsuit filed by ALDRAP and its Executive Director, Dr. Tonye Clinton Jaja, seeking to prevent the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) from interfering in the conferment process. However, the Abuja Federal High Court, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, issued a perpetual injunction restraining ALDRAP from further awarding the title.
In response, ALDRAP has filed a notice of appeal and a stay of execution, arguing that the court lacked jurisdiction since the judge had already been confirmed for elevation to the Court of Appeal at the time of judgment. The group also maintained that the restraining order was granted without a formal request before the court.
Despite the appeal, a new twist has emerged with BOSCON and NLS announcing that they will now assume responsibility for awarding the Blue Silks rank. According to a statement signed by Amb. Dahiru Aliyu, SCN, President of BOSCON, the decision was reached during an emergency meeting held on May 21, 2026, following the appeal filed against the court ruling.
The statement noted that BOSCON, registered on December 30, 2025, would oversee the screening and selection of candidates for the Blue Silks award, which recognizes excellence among non-litigation lawyers who meet specific professional criteria, including 35 verifiable transactions or publications.
It further explained that the rank is divided into three categories: Senior Legislative Counsel of Nigeria (SELCON), Senior Legal Academic (SLA), and Senior Corporate Counsel (SCC).
BOSCON also described itself as a duly registered body recognized by relevant federal institutions, while the NLS is positioned as a parallel association of Nigerian lawyers seeking recognition alongside the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
Meanwhile, tensions remain within the legal community, as established bodies including the NBA continue to oppose both the emergence of the NLS and the parallel conferment structure surrounding the Blue Silks rank.
Although ALDRAP initially vowed to continue issuing the award despite the court ruling, the latest development suggests a shift in control, with BOSCON and NLS now positioning themselves to institutionalize the rank as an alternative recognition system for non-litigating legal professionals in Nigeria.
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