Happy independence celebration!
The Supreme Court of Nigeria on 29 September 2025 opened the 2025/26 Legal Year with a dignified ceremony that also marked the swearing-in of 57 new Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs). It was not only a celebration of honour and renewal, but also a moment for sober reflection on the state of justice in Nigeria.
In her address, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, offered a progress report on comprehensive reforms under her leadership and urged the new silks to uphold humility, integrity, and devotion to justice. The Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, assured that the Federal Government remains committed to supporting reforms that strengthen transparency, efficiency, and access to justice.
On behalf of the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, congratulated the new inductees but also requested that the judiciary must stabilise the doctrine of precedent in the face of conflicting judgments. He reminded the Court that reversing itself in deserving cases is not a weakness but an affirmation of fidelity to justice. His words echoed the wisdom of the Bar’s elders.
The most compelling intervention, however, came from the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, who raised three urgent issues that go to the heart of public confidence in the justice system.
First, he demanded judicial clarity on the unresolved constitutional question of dismantling elected institutions during emergency rule. While Rivers State’s democratic structures have been restored, he insisted that the Supreme Court must pronounce on the limits of executive power to protect democracy and guide future generations.
Second, he lamented the plight of Bright Ngene in Enugu, whose appeal has been stalled by repeated judicial recusals even as he continues to serve a contested conviction. Osigwe urged the National Judicial Council to ensure judges never abandon their duty of justice on the altar of expediency.
Third, he decried punitive bail conditions that effectively deny liberty to ordinary Nigerians despite the presumption of innocence. He called for reforms to make bail truly accessible, including a framework for recognised bondmen who could stand as sureties.Osigwe’s speech was more than ceremonial flourish, it was a clarion call for reform and restoration of faith in the judiciary. He gave voice to the conscience of the Bar and to the aspirations of thousands of lawyers who entrusted him with leadership.The elevation of 57 new SANs thus carried deeper meaning: it was not only the conferment of personal honour but also a reminder of the heavy burden borne by the silk. Each new advocate must uphold the dignity of the profession, serve as a guardian of justice, and become a beacon of hope for the common man.
This year’s Legal Year ceremony, coupled with the Chief Justice’s progress report, is proof that Nigeria’s judiciary is moving forward. Where we stood last year is not where we stand today; measurable progress has been made at both substantive and procedural levels of jurisprudence. Yet the challenges raised by the NBA President, Mazi Afam SAN, Prince Fagemi SAN and Chief Olanipekun SAN remind us that reform is an ongoing duty, and not a completed task.
Long live the Nigerian Judiciary.
Long live the Nigerian Bar Association.
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Dr. M.O. Ubani, SAN
Writes from the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. ubangwa@gmail.com