CJN’s ban on ‘Barrister’ title, replacement with ‘Esquire’ not backed by law – Nigerian Law Society

The Nigerian Law Society has clarified that the decision made by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to discontinue the use of the title "Barrister" and introduce "Esquire" as an alternative, is not supported by any laws. The Chief Justice issued an order on July 13, 2026, instructing lawyers and court officials to cease using the title "Barrister" in all official communications at the Supreme Court, as mentioned in a memo signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi.

The Nigerian Law Society's Executive Director, Dr. Tonye Clinton Jaja, pointed out that the Legal Practitioners Act of 1962 recognizes "Barrister" and "Solicitor" as valid titles for lawyers who have been called to the Bar in Nigeria. Dr. Jaja emphasized that the changed title of "Esquire" or its abbreviated form "Esq." should be used as an alternative title in official correspondences with the Supreme Court of Nigeria, but he also noted that this alternative is not explicitly mentioned in the Legal Practitioners Act.

The Nigerian Law Society objected to the CJN and the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee's suggestion that the rank of Senior Counsel of Nigeria, SCN, be disregarded, as this rank is not explicitly mentioned in the Legal Practitioners Act. They also criticized the CJN and the Chief Registrar for hypocrisy in banning the use of "Barrister" while allowing the use of titles like "Esquire," which are not explicitly stated in any statute.