CJN Bars Use of ‘Barrister’ Prefix at Supreme Court

…Calls for Professional Decorum

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, has directed that the title “Barrister” should no longer be used as a prefix to lawyers’ names in the Supreme Court. The directive, announced during a recent court session, is aimed at reinforcing professional decorum and aligning with global legal practice standards.

Justice Ariwoola emphasized that the use of “Barrister” as a prefix before names is unnecessary and inconsistent with the traditions of the Nigerian Bar. He noted that lawyers are already recognized by their professional standing once they are called to the Bar, and therefore do not require additional prefixes to validate their status. “The title of Barrister is not a name prefix. It is a professional designation, and its misuse undermines the dignity of the legal profession,” Ariwoola stated.

The Supreme Court’s directive has sparked conversations across the legal community. The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), through its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Akorede Lawal, welcomed the CJN’s pronouncement, describing it as a step toward restoring discipline and respect within the profession. “Lawyers must understand that their conduct reflects on the integrity of the Bar. The CJN’s directive is consistent with our efforts to uphold professional ethics,” Lawal said.

The move also aligns with the Legal Practitioners Act, which recognizes lawyers as “Legal Practitioners” once they are called to the Bar, without the need for prefixes such as “Barrister” or “Solicitor.” The Body of Benchers, Nigeria’s highest regulatory authority for legal practice, has long emphasized that titles should not be used in ways that distort professional identity.

For many Nigerians, the issue may seem minor compared to broader challenges in the justice system, such as delays in court proceedings and access to justice. However, legal experts argue that symbols and titles matter in reinforcing respect for institutions. Professor Akin Oyebode, a constitutional law scholar, explained that “professional titles are not just semantics; they shape public perception of the legal system. The CJN’s directive is about restoring order and dignity.”

The human dimension of this directive is evident in the reactions of young lawyers. Many junior practitioners admitted that they had adopted the “Barrister” prefix as a way of asserting their professional identity in society. “We thought it gave us recognition outside the courtroom,” said a lawyer in Abuja. “But now we understand that our work, not a prefix, should define us.”

Civil society organizations have also weighed in, noting that the judiciary’s focus on professional ethics is part of a broader effort to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions. The Rule of Law Development Foundation urged lawyers to comply with the directive, stressing that respect for professional standards is essential to building public trust in the judiciary.

Justice Ariwoola’s pronouncement is expected to set a precedent for other courts across the country. By discouraging the misuse of titles, the Supreme Court aims to foster a culture of respect, professionalism, and accountability within Nigeria’s legal system.

As the judiciary continues to grapple with challenges ranging from case backlogs to public skepticism, the CJN’s directive serves as a reminder that even small reforms can contribute to restoring confidence in the rule of law. For lawyers, the message is clear: their identity lies not in prefixes but in the integrity of their practice.