By Abiola Olawale
Concerns have begun to mount as the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has raised an alarm over what she described as an increasing prevalence of unethical behaviour among Nigerian lawyers.
Speaking on Wednesday at the public presentation of the Directions of the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee report at the Body of Benchers Complex in Abuja, the CJN lamented the “noticeable decline” in adherence to ethical standards within the practice of law.
Justice Kekere-Ekun also expressed dismay at what she described as a “downturn in adherence to ethical principles,” warning that such trends threaten the sanctity of the legal profession and public trust in the judiciary.
She urged legal practitioners to urgently recommit to the core values of ethics, discipline, and professional responsibility, emphasizing that the credibility of Nigeria’s justice system hinges on the conduct of its officers.
She asserted: “It is instructive to note that the Body of Benchers, as the apex institution of the legal profession in Nigeria, is uniquely positioned to lead the charge in this regard.
“The responsibility of upholding the legal profession’s sanctity rests heavily on its shoulders, and I have no doubt that the
The body will continue to rise to the occasion.
“The enforcement of professional discipline among legal practitioners, through the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), is a vital function that must be pursued with fairness, transparency, and unwavering resolve.”
The CJN’s remarks come amid growing scrutiny of the legal profession, with recent cases of conflicting court rulings and allegations of misconduct drawing public criticism.
The CJN, who chaired the inaugural edition of the Body of Benchers’ annual lecture and the public presentation of the Body of Benchers Law Report, also praised the Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Chief Adegboyega Solomon Awomolo, SAN, and the members of the Body for their foresight and dedication in initiating the lecture.
She said that the lecture was not only a testament to the progressive evolution of the Body but also a much-needed platform for intellectual engagement, practical discourse and introspective reflections on the role of the Body of Benchers within the legal profession in Nigeria.
