The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has raised a red flag over the declining ethical standards within the Nigerian legal profession, calling on legal practitioners to take immediate action to restore discipline, ethics, and professional responsibility.
In a speech delivered at the inaugural Annual Lecture of the Body of Benchers and the public presentation of the report on the Legal Practitioners’ Disciplinary Committee, Justice Kekere-Ekun highlighted the pressing challenges currently facing the legal community. She warned that the profession’s integrity is at risk, and emphasized that legal practitioners must reaffirm their commitment to ethical conduct.
The report, titled “Half-A-Century of the Body of Benchers: The Past, Present, and Future of Maintaining the Ethics of the Legal Profession in Nigeria,” shed light on the systemic issues plaguing the industry. Justice Kekere-Ekun stressed that the Body of Benchers, as the highest regulatory body of the legal profession in Nigeria, must take the lead in addressing these concerns. “The responsibility of upholding the legal profession’s sanctity rests on its shoulders, and I have no doubt that the body will continue to rise to the occasion,” she stated.
The CJN also underscored the importance of robust enforcement of professional discipline. She called for transparency, fairness, and unwavering commitment to accountability within the Legal Practitioners’ Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), which plays a vital role in maintaining the profession’s integrity.
Justice Kekere-Ekun proposed institutionalizing the annual lecture as a powerful platform to promote continuous legal education, set standards for professional ethics, and drive reforms within the justice system. “I urge that this lecture be expanded to serve as a mechanism for advancing justice sector reforms and promoting professional ethics,” she said.
During the event, former Lagos State Governor and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Babatunde Fashola, delivered a passionate address on the state of legal education in Nigeria. Fashola criticized the current one-year Law School program, arguing that it lacks sufficient practical exposure to courtroom environments. He warned of the dangers of producing legal practitioners without the necessary integrity and competence. “A poor-quality lawyer compromises the entire justice system,” Fashola stated, adding that this undermines the high stakes of the justice system, where lives and livelihoods are at risk.
Fashola also questioned whether the Body of Benchers is still adequately screening candidates before admitting them to the Bar. He suggested that the time has come to separate the training of solicitors from barristers or advocates, with post-university training handled by accredited law firms, while the Law School focuses solely on certification and examinations. “Post-university training of solicitors and advocates should be left to law firms, accredited nationwide for that purpose,” he proposed.
In addition, Fashola condemned the increasing practice of forum shopping, where lawyers exploit the legal system by manipulating courts for strategic advantages. “What does it take to bring these lawyers to book, and what kind of consequences should they face?” he asked.
The Attorney General of the Federation, represented by Solicitor General Beatrice Jeddy-Agba, also addressed the gathering, stressing the importance of protecting the integrity of the legal profession. “We must embrace change, but do so with vigilance,” Jeddy-Agba stated. “The legal profession is not only a cornerstone of our democracy but a crucial force in shaping the future of our nation.”
The Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Adegoyega Awomolo (SAN), reflected on the evolution of the legal profession since the Body’s establishment in 1971. He highlighted the role of technology and cross-border legal practice, urging practitioners to stay ahead of these changes. Awomolo also questioned whether law should be a second-degree program in Nigerian universities, suggesting that the standard of lawyers today may not meet the original benchmarks set by the Body.
As the legal profession grapples with these ethical and educational challenges, Justice Kekere-Ekun’s call to action serves as a timely reminder of the critical need for reform, transparency, and a renewed commitment to upholding the profession’s sacred responsibility.
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