There is an unspoken atmosphere that fills the room whenever a lawyer steps into the Silk. It is not merely the lustre of the gown or the privilege of front-row seating before the Bench. It is the undeniable aura of a journey forged in sleepless nights, endless briefs, fierce advocacy, and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law.
To attain the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) is to prove oneself in the furnace of legal practice. It is the ultimate testament to grit, intellect, and character.
Today, my heart swells with immense pride as I celebrate all 68 newly minted Senior Advocates of Nigeria across our nation—67 distinguished advocates and one elevated academic—with a special, resounding salute to the 23 Learned Silks from the Premier Bar, the NBA Lagos Branch!
NBA Lagos has once again demonstrated why it remains the epicentre of legal excellence, producing 23 outstanding additions to the Inner Bar. Beyond the Premier Bar, however, this year's conferment is deeply personal to me as I witness colleagues and leaders, whose impact I have felt first-hand, reach this stellar height.
I am particularly thrilled to celebrate my respected senior, Onome Okodiya, SAN (No. 13 on the Bar Seniority Roll). Having worked closely with him in the past, and recalling the flattering name he fondly called me, "Clementina, the worthy junior" ðŸ˜, I can personally attest to his legal mastery, his sharp courtroom intellect, and, above all, his deep compassion and exceptional mentorship as a senior. Seeing him don the Silk is a deeply deserved elevation of a true gentleman of the Bar.
Similarly, I celebrate Akorede Habeeb Lawal, SAN (No. 55 on the Bar Seniority Roll), whose national leadership, tireless commitment to the Bar, and dedicated service to the legal profession continue to inspire advocates across the country.
To my learned seniors and colleagues across all 68 conferred: your elevation is no stroke of luck. It is the harvest of years spent testing the law, refining arguments, standing firm in defence of justice, and maintaining absolute integrity even when the terrain was rough.
In legal parlance, Dominus Litis speaks to mastery, control, and direction over a cause. As you step into the Inner Bar, you take up a higher form of Dominus Litis—not just over individual briefs, but over the soul and future of our legal profession.
Silk is light on the shoulders, but heavy in responsibility.
It demands that you remain the conscience of the Bar.
It requires you to shield the judiciary when it is under siege and correct it with wisdom when it strays.
It calls upon you to open doors, mentor, and light the path for the younger generation of lawyers looking up to you.
As you don your robes, wear them not just as a badge of honour, but as armour for the battles ahead in defending the rule of law, constitutionalism, and systemic justice in Nigeria. May your advocacy remain sharp, your character unsullied, and your courtroom presence an enduring terror to injustice.
To Onome Okodiya, SAN; Akorede Habeeb Lawal, SAN; the 23 Silks of the Premier Bar; and all 68 newly conferred Senior Advocates of Nigeria: the legal community celebrates you, and history awaits the impact of your new mantle.
Congratulations, Learned Silks! May divine wisdom, strength, and longevity accompany this historic elevation.
Congratulations, Learned Silks!
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