Supreme Court Bans Lawyers From Using Barrister As Name Prefix

(Judges. Photo by Daily Trust)

Lawyers and court officials have been instructed by Nigeria's Chief Justice, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to cease prefixing their names with the title "Barrister" in all official interactions at the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court's Chief Registrar, Kabir Akanbi, signed a memorandum dated July 13, 2026, which contained the directive.

The circular, which was sent to litigation staff, attorneys, court registrars, and legal professionals, stated that the order went into force right away and was part of the highest court's attempts to maintain professional standards.

"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," stated the memo, which was seen Online on Friday.

Additionally, it instructed all impacted officials to cease using the title in official communications and other materials right away. 

According to the message, "all officers concerned are hereby directed to cease using the title 'Barrister' before their names in all official correspondence, records, documents, identity materials, and any other official engagements with immediate effect."

The Chief Justice further instructed supervisory officers to enforce compliance in order to guarantee the directive's complete execution.

"Heads of Departments and Unit Heads are requested to ensure strict compliance with this directive by all officers under their supervision," the memo continued. Please follow the appropriate guidance.

The directive was issued weeks after the Council of Legal Education warned aspiring attorneys not to present themselves as trained legal practitioners or wear wigs and gowns prior to being properly called to the Nigerian Bar.

The council cautioned that infractions could result in disciplinary action, claiming that such behavior diminished the dignity of the legal profession.

Additionally, it reminded candidates that only properly certified legal practitioners are permitted to wear legal regalia, which is mandated by the Rules of Professional Conduct.