CJN bans use of ‘Barrister’ title at Supreme Court

Adenuga Toheeb Ayoola

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has directered lawyers and court officials from using the title “Barrister” as a prefix to their names in 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. It was addressed to litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars and other lawyers, directing them to discontinue the practice with immediate effect.

According to the circular, the decision was taken to promote professionalism and maintain the standards expected within Nigeria’s apex court.

The memo stated that the use of “Barrister” as a name prefix is considered inappropriate for official engagements at the Supreme Court. It also instructed officers to remove the title from official correspondence, records, documents, identity materials and every other official communication.

Heads of departments and unit heads were further directed to ensure full compliance with the new policy among officers under their supervision.

The latest directive follows a recent warning by the Council of Legal Education to aspiring lawyers against wearing wigs and gowns or presenting themselves as qualified legal practitioners before being called to the Nigerian Bar.

The council maintained that such actions diminish the integrity of the legal profession and warned that offenders could face disciplinary sanctions. It also reiterated that legal regalia may only be worn by duly qualified legal practitioners in line with the Rules of Professional Conduct.

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