By Obinna Uballa
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, will on Monday, September 29, administer the oath of office to 57 newly elevated Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) at a special ceremony marking the commencement of the 2025/2026 legal year of the Supreme Court.
According to a statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations of the Supreme Court, Dr Festus Akande, the swearing-in will take place in the Main Courtroom of the apex court in Abuja at 10:00 a.m.
Justice Kekere-Ekun is expected to deliver a State of the Judiciary Address, reviewing the Supreme Court’s performance in the 2024/2025 legal year and providing insights into developments across the wider judicial system.
“In line with long-standing tradition, the CJN will deliver a State of the Judiciary address with a view to highlighting the state of the Supreme Court in particular, and the Nigerian judiciary in general, in the 2024/2025 legal year,” the statement read.
Other key stakeholders scheduled to speak include the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Chairman of the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, and the President of the Nigerian Bar Association. Their remarks are expected to focus on justice sector challenges and the reforms needed to strengthen the rule of law.
The Supreme Court had embarked on its annual vacation on July 21, after what was described as a “remarkably successful” legal year.
On July 24, the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee released the list of 57 lawyers elevated to the SAN rank, 56 from the advocates’ category and one from the academics’ category.
