CJN Kekere-Ekun Directs Lawyers, Court Staff to Drop ‘Barrister’ Prefix

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has directed lawyers, court officials and other personnel of the Supreme Court to discontinue the use of the title “Barrister” before their names in all official documents and activities connected to the apex court.

The directive was contained in a memorandum dated July 13, 2026, signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi. Although issued earlier in the month, the circular became public on Friday after it was obtained by journalists.

According to the memo, the directive takes immediate effect and applies to litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars and lawyers who work with or appear before the Supreme Court.

The court explained that the use of “Barrister” as a prefix does not reflect the level of professionalism expected within Nigeria’s highest judicial institution.

Consequently, all affected individuals have been instructed to remove the title from official correspondence, records, identity cards, documents and every other material used for official purposes. The directive also applies to all formal engagements involving the Supreme Court.

To ensure strict compliance, heads of departments and unit heads have been tasked with monitoring implementation and ensuring that all officers under their supervision adhere to the new directive without delay.