The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) has shortlisted 57 lawyers for the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). These lawyers were approved for elevation to the rank at the LPPC’s 169th plenary session held on July 24, 2025. The swearing-in ceremony for the successful applicants is scheduled to take place on September 29, 2025.
Some of the notable lawyers shortlisted include Theophilus Kolawole Esan, Fedude Zimughan, Ernest Chikwendu Ikeji, Oyinkansola Badejo-Okunsanya, Ikechukwu Raphael Uwanna, Ayodeji Joseph Ademola, Kelechi Nwaiwu, Chinyere Ekene Moneme, Hannibal Egbe Uwaifo, Olumide Ekisola, and Godwin Sunday Ogboji, among others. These individuals have demonstrated exceptional legal acumen and dedication to the practice of law, earning them a place among the esteemed ranks of SANs.
To become SANs, the shortlisted lawyers must attend and successfully complete a pre-swearing-in induction program, as mandated by the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN). This program is a prerequisite for the formal conferment of the SAN rank. The SAN rank is conferred upon lawyers who have demonstrated exceptional distinction as advocates in courts or as academics contributing significantly to legal scholarship.
Notably, only two female lawyers are among the shortlisted candidates, highlighting the competitive nature of the SAN rank conferment process. All shortlisted conferees are required to refrain from publishing congratulatory messages or advertisements related to their nomination or conferment to avoid sanctions.
