In a remarkable triple celebration, DR. M.O. UBANI marked his 60th birthday, launched his book titled “The Story of Legal and Human Rights Activism,” and was conferred with the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) on the same day.
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The reception, held at JD Events Centre in Abuja, was graced by an esteemed gathering of Nigeria’s legal and political luminaries. Notable attendees included Senate President Godswill Akpabio, CON, Governor of Abia State Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Benjamin Kalu, among other distinguished guests.
On Monday, Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun inducted DR. M.O. UBANI and 86 other legal practitioners into the highly coveted rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). This marked Justice Kekere-Ekun’s first official duty after being sworn in as the substantive CJN by President Bola Tinubu following her confirmation by the Nigerian Senate last week.
Out of the 127 applicants for the SAN rank in the 2024 exercise, 114 were legal practitioners and 13 were academics. After a rigorous screening process, which included appearances in superior courts, recommendations by justices and judges, chambers inspections, and approval from the Nigerian Bar Association, Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, and the general public, the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) approved 87 candidates as eminently qualified.
In her speech, Justice Kekere-Ekun emphasized the immense responsibility that comes with the SAN title, urging the newly inducted Senior Advocates to display integrity, self-discipline, leadership, and high standards of advocacy. She reminded them that the rank was a privilege that could be withdrawn if abused.
The CJN also pledged to uphold the values of honesty, transparency, and integrity within the judiciary. She highlighted the challenges faced by the Supreme Court in the past legal year, having only 10 justices, and noted that the apex court addressed 1,124 cases, including civil and criminal appeals, motions, and political appeals.
“Under my leadership, the judiciary will adhere to the principles of honesty, transparency, and integrity. I call upon all judicial officers and members of the Bar to join me in achieving this goal,” Justice Kekere-Ekun stated.
The newly conferred SANs, including DR. M.O. UBANI, are now authorized to use the title “SAN” for life and enjoy the privilege of wearing the distinguished silk gown and full-bottomed wig in court. They will also have precedence in case mentions across all courts in Nigeria.
DR. M.O. UBANI’s triple celebration marks a significant milestone in his legal career and a testament to his contributions to legal and human rights activism in Nigeria.
