The Nigerian Law Society rejects a directive by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) banning the use of the “Barrister” title, saying the order has no basis in existing law. The Society argues that the title is recognised in legislation, and therefore cannot be restricted without proper legal authority.
Lawyers and practitioners quoted in the coverage also raise concerns about inconsistent regulation of professional titles. One legal practitioner says “Barrister” is mentioned in the Legal Practitioners Act of 1962, while other titles or ranks that are not clearly established in statute—such as “Esquire” or the “Blue Silks” description for Senior Counsel of Nigeria—are allowed. The reports also reference a Federal High Court decision involving the Nigerian Bar Association and the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC), which is presented as limiting their authority over certain titles.
While the outlets focus on the same dispute, they differ in emphasis: one stresses the absence of legal foundation for the CJN directive, while the other highlights arguments about contradictions in how titles are treated, and cites constitutional and statutory provisions used to justify other professional designations.
