72 Lawyers shortlisted for 2025 Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Title

The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) has officially unveiled the shortlist of candidates for the 2025 conferment of the highly respected Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) title.

According to a public notice signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court and LPPC Secretary, Mr. Kabir Akanbi, a total of 72 legal professionals — comprising 57 advocates and 15 academics — have advanced to the final selection stage.

Akanbi explained that the shortlisted applicants underwent a rigorous six-step screening process, including filtration exercises for advocates and academics, appeals hearings, and physical inspections of law offices to ensure the rank retains its reputation for distinction, leadership, and integrity within Nigeria’s legal profession.

Prominent names on the advocates’ list include Theophilus Esan Kolawole, Ernest Chikwendu Ikeji, Victor Esiri Akpoguma, Leslie Akujuobi Njemanze, Akintola Wilson Adewale, Preye Agedah, Hannibal Egbe Uwaifo, Olumide Ekisola, and Achienike Godwin William-Wobodo.

On the academic side, respected legal scholars such as Prof. John Alewo Agbonika, Prof. Nlerum Sunday Okogbule, Prof. Najeem Adeyemi Ijaiya, Prof. Violet Aigbokhaevbo, and Prof. Chimajosephat Ubanyionwu were shortlisted for their contributions to research, teaching, and publications.

The LPPC also called on the public to submit any comments, objections, or petitions regarding the character or competence of any of the shortlisted candidates. All submissions must be supported by a sworn affidavit from a Superior Court of Record or a Notary Public. Petitions are to be sent in 20 hard copies to the LPPC Secretariat by 4:00 p.m. on Monday, July 14, 2025. Electronic copies can also be emailed to [email protected] and [email protected].

After reviewing public input and completing final deliberations, the committee will announce the final list of successful SAN recipients later in the year.