As Nigeria’s legal community celebrates the September 2025 call to bar, two contrasting stories have dominated social media, highlighting tensions over religious expression, professional decorum, and cultural identity. Between September 23 and 25, 2025, the nation witnessed the niqab-clad induction of Rodiyah Omotoyosi Mikhail and the backlash against newly called barrister Solomon “Yagi” Adeyemi (@yagiofcanada) for a celebratory photo featuring smoking and drinking.
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On Wednesday, September 24, 2025, 26-year-old Lagos State University graduate Rodiyah Omotoyosi Mikhail was officially called to the Nigerian Bar as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court. Shared by a friend on X, photos showed Mikhail in the traditional black robe and wig layered over a flowing abaya and full niqab, revealing only her eyes. The post, captioned “Alhamdulillah! Called to Bar in style,” quickly went viral.
Supporters praised the display as a triumph of religious freedom and hailed Mikhail as embodying “inclusive jurisprudence” in a historically secular profession. User @Nooran247 commented, “Allahumma Barek. May the knowledge acquired be beneficial to the Ummah. Proud of you 🫂,” garnering over thousand likes.
Critics questioned the practicality of such attire in professional settings. Cultural commentators and legal observers raised concerns about Rule 45(2)(a) of Nigeria’s Rules of Professional Conduct, which mandates “respectful and sober attire” in court. X user @Oluwamidunsin asked, “You can’t be dressed in such a way that your identity can’t be verified and work in public place,” while @onlyonemijo added, “How do you intend to practice?” @Gbemilekhe asked, “How do we identify you in public for jobs? Or do you intend to operate in isolation?”
Some critiques touched on cultural identity, including @omo_olaiya, who wrote, “This isn’t our culture! This is the Arab culture! You people need to break free from this Arab shell.” Others, like @NobleGrandking_, quipped, “Masquerade lawyer abi na KKK lawyer 🤔,” prompting both amusement and accusations of Islamophobia. Feminist voices urged balance, with @melly4lifee stating, “Now learn about freeing yourself from the veil. Peace out ✌️,” while @adedayo_umar noted double standards in debates over women’s bodily autonomy.
Defenders highlighted that the ceremony does not dictate courtroom practice. @khubrah stated, “She wasn’t called like this and definitely wouldn’t be appearing in court like this… There are so many career paths to follow, she mustn’t be advocate.” Mikhail herself emphasized, “My faith and my profession are not in conflict. I wore the niqab for the ceremony as a personal expression; in practice, I’ll adapt while honoring both.”
Mikhail’s niqab drew parallels to Firdaus Amasa’s 2017 case, when she was initially barred from the call to bar ceremony for insisting on wearing her hijab. At the time, the Nigerian Law School enforced a strict wig-and-robe dress code. Amasa’s refusal was framed as a human rights issue under Section 38 of Nigeria’s Constitution (freedom of thought, conscience, and religion), sparking national outcry and mobilization by Muslim organizations such as the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria.
The Body of Benchers, in a compromise ahead of the 2018 ceremonies, allowed Amasa to wear a small hair covering under her wig, reflecting the style of Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa. The decision did not overhaul the dress code but set a precedent for Muslim women to integrate hijabs into call-to-bar attire. Analysts note that while hijabs are now widely accepted, full niqabs as worn by Mikhail remain an untested gray area in courtroom practice.
In contrast, newly called barrister Solomon “Yagi” Adeyemi, faced swift backlash for posting a video of himself celebrating with friends, holding a beer bottle in one hand and a lit cigarette in the other. The post, captioned “Call to Bar 2025: did a thing with the boys 🫶🏼,” amassed over thousand views.
Legal peers cited potential breaches of ethical conduct, noting high rates of substance use among Nigerian lawyers. Rule 1 of the Rules of Professional Conduct prohibits actions that undermine public confidence in the bar, and Rule 45 mandates sobriety and respectful demeanor. X users criticized Adeyemi: “Congrats on the call, but this? Smoking and boozing publicly right after? Petition incoming?” another added, “This isn’t a ‘joke’ it’s a red flag for fitness to practice.”
While lawyers warn that such depictions, even when artistic or playful, can impact public perception, ethical standing, and professional licensing. They emphasize the importance of discretion in online content for legal professionals, given the trust and integrity required by the profession.
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