A lighthearted yet controversial video circulating on social media has ignited discussions within Nigeria’s legal community, showing what appear to be members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Abuja commuting on a popular motorcycle taxi known locally as an “okada” while wearing their traditional wigs and gowns. The clip, shared by user @arewa_4life, has gone viral, prompting debates about professional decorum and the everyday realities faced by lawyers in the Federal Capital Territory.
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In the footage, two individuals believed to be lawyers based on their attire are seen perched on the back of an okada, navigating bustling streets with their judicial regalia fluttering in the wind. A nearby signpost advertising “AB Brainy Technocrats Nigeria Limited” provides a clue to the location, suggesting the scene took place in one of Abuja’s central districts. However, TheNigeriaLawyer could not independently verify the identities of the riders, nor confirm whether they were en route to or from a court sitting.
The video’s virality highlights the intersection of tradition and practicality in Nigeria’s legal profession. While okadas remain a common and affordable mode of transport amid rising fuel costs and traffic congestion, the sight of lawyers in full ceremonial dress on such vehicles has divided opinions online. Some users praised the riders’ resourcefulness, commenting, “Real lawyers, real life no time for luxury cars!” Others criticised it as a “disgrace to the Bar,” arguing that it undermines the solemnity of the wig and gown, with some asking, “Why not put it in a suitcase?”
@thenigerialawyer“Which NBA Branch Are These Lawyers From” — Abuja Lawyers Spotted Riding Okada In Full Regalia Ethical Breach Or Harmless Commute♬ original sound – TheNigeriaLawyer
Under the Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC), Rule 45(1) states that a lawyer must appear in robes in the High Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court, unless excused by the court. Wearing the regalia outside a court session is considered professional misconduct. Although there is no direct statutory prohibition against lawyers wearing wigs and gowns in public places outside court premises, the NBA and its branches maintain strict guidelines on professional etiquette, viewing such public displays as a potential breach of conduct.
A lawyer who spoke anonymously to TheNigeriaLawyer emphasised that the public use of wigs and gowns could invite disciplinary scrutiny. Regulatory bodies such as the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) handle cases where lawyers engage in “unbecoming conduct” or actions that “bring the profession into disrepute,” which may result in warnings, fines, or suspension. This aligns with Rule 1 of the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners, which mandates upholding the dignity of the Bar.
Responding to enquiries from TheNigeriaLawyer, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria remarked, “It’s a reminder that our rules must adapt to modern challenges like urban mobility, but without compromising the profession’s prestige.” Others echoed this view, noting that “discretionary sanctions are the norm think warning letters.”
The incident further underline the economic pressures on Nigerian lawyers, particularly juniors in branches like Abuja, where courts can be kilometres apart and public transport systems are often unreliable. With fuel prices hovering above ₦1,000 per litre and okadas charging as little as ₦200 per trip, many young lawyers opt for quick, cost-effective alternatives regalia or not.
As one anonymous NBA member told TheNigeriaLawyer, “In the heat of Abuja traffic, dignity takes a backseat to deadlines. But we know the optics matter.”
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