The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has directed lawyers to stop using ‘Barrister’ as a title prefixing their names.
Kekere-Ekun directed that all concerned lawyers should discontinue the practice, which she described as inappropriate and unprofessional.
The directive was contained in a circular dated 13 July and signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi.
The circular, which became public on Friday, warned lawyers to immediately stop using the ‘Barrister’ title “in all official correspondence, records, documents, identity materials, and any other official engagements.”
“I am directed by the Honourable the Chief Justice of Nigeria to notify all Litigation Staff, Legal Practitioners, Court Registrars, and Lawyers that the use of the title ‘Barrister’ as a prefix to names is inappropriate and inconsistent with the standards of professionalism expected within the Supreme Court of Nigeria,” the circular addressed to the Supreme Court’s litigation staff, lawyers and court registrars read in part.
The circular asked lawyers to comply with the directive. It also ordered all relevant authorities to ensure compliance.
“Consequently, all officers concerned are hereby directed to discontinue the use of the title ‘Barrister’ before their names in all official correspondence, records, documents, identity materials, and any other official engagements with immediate effect,” the circular read.
“Heads of Departments and Unit Heads are requested to ensure strict compliance with this directive by all officers under their supervision. Please be guided accordingly,” the circular read.
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
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