CJN BANS USE OF ‘BARRISTER’ AS OFFICIAL PREFIX AT SUPREME COURT

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By ‘Sefiu Ajape

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has directed lawyers, court officials, and litigation staff to stop using the title “Barrister” as a prefix to their names in all official engagements at the Supreme Court.

The directive was conveyed 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 stated that the directive takes immediate effect as part of efforts to uphold professionalism and maintain the standards expected within the apex court.

The memorandum, obtained by HOTJIST on Friday, read: “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 and inconsistent with the standards of professionalism expected within the Supreme Court of Nigeria.”

It further instructed all affected personnel to discontinue the use of the title in official correspondence, records, and other official materials.

The memo stated: “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.”

To ensure full compliance, the Chief Justice also directed heads of departments and unit heads to enforce the order across their respective offices.

The memorandum added, “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 directive comes weeks after the Council of Legal Education warned prospective lawyers against wearing wigs and gowns or presenting themselves as qualified legal practitioners before they are formally called to the Nigerian Bar.

According to the council, such conduct undermines the dignity of the legal profession, warning that violators could face disciplinary measures.

The council also reminded candidates that the use of legal regalia is governed by the Rules of Professional Conduct and is reserved exclusively for duly qualified legal practitioners.

This version is publication-ready and keeps every quoted statement exactly as in the original.