The Nigerian legal community has been thrown into surprise and controversy following the circulation of a photo showing a newly called lawyer, M. Al-Mahdi Isa, dressed in what appears to be a silk robe during his pre-call to bar ceremony.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-IDRI-Masterclass.png")
The image, which has since gone viral across social media platforms and was obtained by TheNigeriaLawyer, features a congratulatory backdrop that reads:
“Congratulations On Your Call To Bar Ceremony
M. Al-Mahdi Isa LL.B (Hons) Esq.”
Photo credit: Ahmad Isa Adam
However, what was intended as a moment of celebration has sparked widespread criticism and debate, as legal practitioners and observers alike question whether Isa’s choice of attire violates the strict and conservative dress code expected of new entrants into the Nigerian Bar.
The phrase “Silk just called to the bar?” has begun trending online a reference to the prestigious title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), which is traditionally accompanied by the right to wear a silk robe in court. Critics argue that the young lawyer’s fabric choice, which appears to mimic the silk robe reserved for SANs, is inappropriate and misleading.
The incident has drawn attention to Rule 45(2)(a) of the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners, which governs the appropriate use of legal robes and attire. Specifically, the rule mandates that lawyers must dress in a “tidy, respectable and sober” manner a standard intended to uphold the decorum and dignity of the legal profession.
Text of Rule 45(2)(a):
“A lawyer shall not wear the barrister’s or Senior Advocate’s robe when conducting his own case as a party to a legal proceeding.”
Though this clause deals with courtroom appearances, lawyers argue that its spirit extends to all representations of the legal profession, including public appearances and ceremonial events such as the call to bar.
A senior legal practitioner who spoke anonymously told TheNigeriaLawyer:
“The mischief sought to be cured was the abuse of the lawyer’s robes. Such an abuse is wanton and uncontrolled when we begin to see new wigs dressing in ways that clearly contradict the sober and respectful image the profession demands.”
He added that in recent times, many newly called lawyers have adopted what he described as “outrageous dress styles” during pre-call photoshoots a trend he said could damage the profession’s public image.
“We cannot afford to dilute the nobility of this profession with social media aesthetics that disregard our core values,” he said.
TheNigeriaLawyer recalls that both the Body of Benchers and the Nigerian Law School have, on multiple occasions, warned prospective lawyers against inappropriate dressing and unprofessional conduct, especially in the course of pre-call and call-to-bar events.
Whether M. Al-Mahdi Isa intended his choice of attire to be symbolic or simply celebratory, the incident has reopened debate on how the legal profession in Nigeria balances tradition, modernity, and public perception.
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