The Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN), lawyers aspiring to be conferred with the prestigious title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) are now required to pay a hefty fee of ₦304,575.00 (Three Hundred and Four Thousand, Five Hundred and Seventy-Five Naira) for orientation and induction.

This new requirement has stirred a mixture of reactions within the legal community, with some lawyers questioning the necessity and transparency of such a high fee, considering the economic challenges faced by many legal practitioners in Nigeria.

The mandatory orientation program is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at the Idera Hall, Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

“Critics argue that the cost of the training doesn’t align with the content provided and the economic realities in Nigeria. They contend that the amount does not correspond with the program’s content and reference Nigeria’s struggling economy. Some have expressed that they could independently organize a similar event for less. Additionally, there are concerns about additional expenses like booking venues, catering, and souvenirs, which further exacerbate the financial burden for aspiring SANs, especially those who may have to travel from different parts of the country to attend the swearing-in ceremony in Abuja

Efforts to obtain a statement from BOSAN regarding the mandatory nature of this orientation were unsuccessful. It’s rumored that those who do not pay the fee may face reputational consequences and be perceived as ‘not in good standing’ within the legal community. However, sources say opting out would brand the new SANs as troublesome.

While there is a growing debate about the legitimacy of BOSAN as an institution with the authority to impose such financial requirements, some lawyers have pointed out that if all 58 Legal Practitioners aiming for the Rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria pay for this training, it would total a staggering ₦17,665,350.

Last year, BOSAN charged ₦200,000 for a one-day prep session on ethics and professionalism. The training featured prominent facilitators such as Justice Dattijo Mohammed JSC, Justice Ejembi Eko JSC, now retired Hon Justice Owoade JCA, and Prof. Bamgbose SAN, who conducted sessions on ethics at the inner bar, among other topics.

While BOSAN’s orientation fee has proven contentious, the appointments recognize these legal practitioners’ outstanding careers and contributions. However, many argue the pre-ceremony requirements should be reasonable and take economic realities into account.

The legal community awaits further clarification on the rationale behind these fees and the value offered through the orientation program as the legal profession prepares to welcome a new cohort of Senior Advocates of Nigeria.

Recall that the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC), presided over by Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, finalized this decision during its 159th plenary session, which took place in Abuja on October 12, 2023.

In light of this development, here is the list of the newly appointed Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN), presented in order of seniority at the Bar:

  1. Felix Ota Offia, Esq
  2. Lawrence Bankole Falade, Esq
  3. Kingsley Osabuohien Obamogie, Esq
  4. Folashade Abosede Alli, Esq
  5. Abiola Isiaq Oyebanji, Esq
  6. Bomo Olakunle Agbebi, Esq
  7. Daniel Osinach Uruakpa, Esq
  8. Oseloka Godwin Osuigwe, Esq
  9. Babatunde Adeoye, Esq
  10. Babaseyi Sigismund Joseph, Esq
  11. Emmanuel Moses Enoidem, Esq
  12. Kehinde Olufemi Aina, Esq
  13. Ngozi Chido Olehi, Esq
  14. Aaron Chileokwu Okoroma, Esq
  15. Ibrahim Dalhatu Angulu, Esq
  16. Olayiwola Emmanuel Afolabi, Esq
  17. Sule Shu’aibu, Esq
  18. Abiodun Olanrewaju Olaleru, Esq
  19. Alfred Olufemi Atteh, Esq
  20. Kazeem Adekunle Sobaloju, Esq
  21. Shehu Wada Abdullahi, Esq
  22. Bamidele Olawoye Ibironke, Esq
  23. Oluwaseyilayo Akinkunmi Ojo, Esq
  24. Funmi Falana, Esq
  25. Felix Tamaraudenkemefa Okorotie, Esq
  26. Seun Oluwagbenga Ajayi, Esq
  27. Friday Ramses Aku Onoja, Esq
  28. Agada John Elachi, Esq
  29. Bola Rasaq Gold, Esq
  30. Paul Kasimanwuna Maduemene, Esq
  31. Rafiu Oyeyemi Balogun, Esq
  32. Oluwole Aladedoye, Esq
  33. Paulyn Osobhase Abhulimen, Esq
  34. Jonathan Gunu Taidi, Esq
  35. Tochukwu Jude Onyiuke, Esq
  36. Olukayode Abraham Ajulo, Esq
  37. Christopher Adapar Umar, Esq
  38. Chibueze Ogechi Ogbonna, Esq
  39. Yemi Adewale M’Sbaudeen Adesina, Esq
  40. Omoyemi Lateef Akangbe, Esq
  41. Olumide Akinwale Olujinmi, Esq
  42. Musa Adamu Aliyu, Esq
  43. Fidelis Chukwunonye Mbadugha, Esq
  44. Onyemaechi Chukwudi Adiukwu, Esq
  45. Ikechukwu Philip Onuoma, Esq
  46. Yakubu Philemon, Esq
  47. Johnny Ungwugwaye Agim, Esq
  48. Aliyu Lemu Ibrahim, Esq
  49. Isaiah Bozimo, Esq
  50. Prisca Ozoilesike, Esq
  51. Yahaya Dan’asabe Dangana, Esq
  52. Adedayo Samuel Adedeji, Esq
  53. Adeola Oluwaseun Adedipe, Esq
  54. Chikaosolu Ojukwu, Esq
  55. Musa Ahmed Attah, Esq
  56. Ayotunde Foluso Ogunleye, Esq
  57. Olayemi Badewole, Esq

The lone successful Academic Applicant is:

  1. Prof. Babatunde Adetunji Oni

The swearing-in ceremony will be held on Monday, November 27, 2023. This recognition is a testament to their outstanding legal careers and contributions to the legal profession.

______________________________________________________________________ “Bridging Theory And Courtroom Practice” — Hagler Sunny Okorie, Nathaniel Ngozi Ikeocha Unveil ‘Functional’ Tort Law Book For Nigerian Legal System The book, titled The Law of Torts in Nigeria: A Functional Approach, authored by Professor Hagler Sunny Okorie Ph.D and Ikeocha, Nathaniel Ngozi Esq, offers law students, practitioners, and academics a comprehensive guide to understanding and applying tort law in Nigerian courts. Interested buyers can place orders via the following contact numbers: 08028636615, 08037667945, 08032253813, or +234 902 196 2209. ______________________________________________________________________ [A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
“Evidence Act: Complete Annotation” by renowned legal experts Sanni & Etti.
Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation ______________________________________________________________________ ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR LAWYERS: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE Reimagine your practice with the power of AI “...this is the only Nigerian book I know of on the topic.” — Ohio Books Ltd Authored by Ben Ijeoma Adigwe, Esq., ACIArb (UK), LL.M, Dip. in Artificial Intelligence, Director, Delta State Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Nigeria. Bonus: Get a FREE eBook titled “How to Use the AI in Legalpedia and Law Pavilion” with every purchase.

How to Order: 📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878 📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com 🌐 Website: www.benadigwe.com

Ebook Version: Access directly online at: https://selar.com/prv626

________________________________________________________________________ The Law And Practice Of Redundancy In Nigeria: A Practitioner’s Guide, Authored By A Labour & Employment Law Expert Bimbo Atilola _______________________________________________________________________ “Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence

Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via: 0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888 Website: www.alexandernigeria.com