*Upholding Legal Integrity: Awomolo, Belgore, and Abdullahi Emphasize Ethics in Legal Practice
*Justice, Not Wealth: Kanu Agabi, SAN, Warns Against Erosion of Ethics in the Legal Profession
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“To whom much is given, much is expected. You must set the right values for young lawyers in and out of court.” These were the words of the Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Asiwaju Adegboyega S. Awomolo, SAN, as he addressed newly inducted Life Benchers and Benchers at a historic induction and orientation ceremony held at the Benchers Complex, Abuja, on Thursday, February 27, 2025.
Presiding over the event, Awomolo described the ceremony as a landmark occasion, being the first formal induction and orientation of Benchers in the history of the Body. He emphasized its crucial role in upholding the highest ethical and professional standards in the Nigerian legal profession, reminding inductees that their elevation came with significant responsibilities.
The ceremony saw the induction of 21 new Benchers and the confirmation of 8 new Life Benchers, bringing the total number of Life Benchers in Nigeria to 170.
The ceremony was graced by distinguished legal luminaries, including Hon. Justice Alfa Belgore, former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), who delivered a keynote address on the importance of upholding ethics and decorum in the legal profession. Justice Belgore emphasized the need for Benchers to serve as role models for younger lawyers and to maintain the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.
Umaru Abdullahi, Formef President of the Court of Appeal, provided a historical overview of the Body of Benchers, tracing its establishment to the Legal Practitioners Amended Decree No. 15 of 1975. He highlighted the Body’s evolution and its critical role in regulating the legal profession in Nigeria.
Justice Bozimo of the National Judicial Institute (NJI) also addressed the gathering, stressing the importance of instilling decorum and ethical values in law students from the outset. He called for a renewed focus on mentorship and guidance for the next generation of legal practitioners.
In a thought-provoking speech, Kanu Agabi, SAN, lamented the growing influence of wealth over righteousness and ethics in society. He urged the newly inducted Benchers to prioritize moral values and to use their positions to promote justice and fairness.
The ceremony featured the presentation of certificates to the new inductees. Umaru Abdullahi presented certificates to the newly confirmed Life Benchers, while Hon. Justice Alfa Belgore presented certificates to the newly inducted Benchers.
In his remarks, Asiwaju Adegboyega S. Awomolo, SAN, Chairman of the Body of Benchers, expressed his honor at presiding over the historic event. He noted that this was the first time such an orientation and induction ceremony had been organized in the Body’s history.
Awomolo recounted the Body’s origins, highlighting that it was established with 16 members, with Chief Ambassador C. D. Orike being the only surviving founding member. He explained that the Body of Benchers is the highest regulatory authority for the legal profession in Nigeria, tasked with determining who is fit and proper to be admitted as a legal practitioner.
The Chairman emphasized the Body’s role in collaborating with the Nigerian Law School to ensure the quality of legal education and its responsibility in disciplinary matters, including the power to strike off erring legal practitioners from the roll.
Awomolo outlined the privileges of being a Bencher, including the right to sponsor aspirants to the Bar, attend Call to Bar ceremonies, and participate in Traditional Law Dinners. Life Benchers, he noted, enjoy the exclusive right to sit in the inner bar or front row in court and mention motions out of turn.
He also stressed the importance of seniority, proper conduct, and adherence to the Body’s regulations, warning against exposing internal matters to social media, which he described as misconduct punishable by the Body.
The Chairman charged the new inductees to live up to the expectations of their exalted positions, reminding them that “to whom much is given, much is expected.” He urged them to actively participate in the Body’s activities and to set the right values for young lawyers.
The following distinguished legal practitioners were inducted as Life Benchers and Benchers during the ceremony:
Life Benchers
- Hon. Justice Adarna Iyayi-Lamikanra
- Hon. Justice Ngozi P. Emehelu
- Hon. Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu
- Chief Offiong E.B. Offiong, SAN
- Olori Olufunmi Oluyede, NRM
- Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN
- Razak Osayande Isenalumhe, Esq
- Lady Gloria Umoren
- Prof. Mike Ozekhome, CON, SAN
- Prof. Joy Ngozi Ezeilo, OON, SAN
- Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, CFR
- Mr. Solomon Umoh, SAN
- Opeyemi Bamidele, Senator
- Michael Idele, CON
- A. K. Jingi, Esq
- Hon. Justice John T. Tsoho, OFR
- Hon. Justice Ejembi Eko
- (HRH) Hon. Justice Sidi Bage, CFR
- Hon. Justice Fatima Ommi Akinbami
Benchers
- Dr. Muhammed Alimi Abdul-Razaq, SAN
- Chief Chris Uche, SAN
- Hon. Eberechi Adele, SAN
- Mr. Jude Nnodum, OFR, SAN
- Dr. Livy Uzoukwu, OON, SAN
- Mr. Tunde Oyewole
- Mr. Mohammed Bello Adoke, CFR, SAN
- Hon. Justice Nwaigwe A. Anselm
- Sen. Ibn Na’Allah
- Mr. Mahmud Abubakar Magaji, SAN
- Mr. Y. C. Maikyau, OON, SAN
- Mr. Faruk Sani
- Prof. Sani Muhammad Adam
- Mr. Adegboruwa Ebun-Olu Samuel, SAN
- Chief (Mrs.) Victoria O. Awomolo, SAN
- Mr. Emeka Obegolu, SAN
- Marvel E. Akpoyibo, Esq
- Dr. Solomon Arase, CFR
- Kehinde O. Ogunwumiju, OFR, SAN
- Hon. Onofiok Akpan Luke
The induction ceremony concluded with a reaffirmation of the Body of Benchers’ commitment to upholding the highest standards of the legal profession. The event not only celebrated the achievements of the new inductees but also reinforced the importance of ethics, decorum, and professionalism in the Nigerian legal system.
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