The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has expressed concerns about the decline in adherence to ethical principles in the legal profession in Nigeria. Speaking at the public presentation of the report from the Legal Practitioners’ Disciplinary Committee, she emphasized the urgent need for lawyers to recommit to the core values of ethics, discipline, and professional responsibility.
Justice Kekere-Ekun highlighted that the commitment to ethical principles in the legal profession in Nigeria is facing serious challenges. She noted that adherence is not only diminishing but also requires immediate attention to restore the integrity of the profession.
During her address at the Body of Benchers’ Complex in Abuja, the CJN called for stricter enforcement of professional discipline among legal practitioners through the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC). She insisted that this enforcement must be carried out fairly, transparently, and with determination.
“It is instructive to note that the Body of Benchers, as the apex institution of the legal profession in Nigeria, is uniquely positioned to lead the charge in this regard,” she stated. “The responsibility of upholding the legal profession’s sanctity rests heavily on its shoulders.”
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Justice Kekere-Ekun also chaired the inaugural edition of the Body of Benchers’ annual lecture and praised the Chairman, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), for his efforts in organizing the event. The lecture serves as a platform for critical discussions on the role of the Body of Benchers in maintaining ethical principles in the legal profession in Nigeria.
The CJN described the lecture series as essential, not only for discussing the body’s successes but also for evaluating the ethical standards in the legal profession. It aims to ensure high levels of discipline, integrity, and professional responsibility among lawyers, while also enhancing public confidence in the judiciary.
Her call to action emphasizes the need for ongoing commitment to setting clear benchmarks for professional ethics, continuous legal education, and justice sector reforms. She urged that this initiative should not only encourage reflection and discourse but also serve as a practical framework to address current challenges in the legal field.
The theme of the first annual lecture is: “Half-A-Century of the Body of Benchers: The Past, The Present, and The Future of Maintaining Ethical Principles in the Legal Profession in Nigeria.” This initiative marks a significant step toward improving the state of legal practice in the country.
