If you have seen conversations online claiming that the Supreme Court has “banned” the use of the title “Barrister”, you are not alone. Many people have been asking the same question: are lawyers no longer barristers?
The simple answer is no.
Supreme Court Clarifies Approved Title for Nigerian Lawyers
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has directed lawyers and court officials to stop using “Barrister” as a title before their names in official dealings with the Supreme Court.
The directive, conveyed in a memorandum signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, is intended to promote professionalism and uniformity in the Court’s official processes.
So, what exactly has changed?
The Supreme Court is not saying that lawyers have lost their status as barristers.
Everyone who has been called to the Nigerian Bar remains a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. That legal qualification remains unchanged.
What the Court has said is that “Barrister” should not be used as an honorific title before a lawyer’s name in official Supreme Court documents.
For example, instead of writing:
Barrister Ofa Joseph
the preferred style is:
Ofa Joseph, Esq.
This is why you will often see lawyers use “Esq.” after their names rather than placing “Barrister” before them.
It is also worth noting that “Esq.” is an abbreviation of “Esquire”, a post-nominal title traditionally associated with members of the legal profession. In Nigeria, lawyers commonly use “Esq.” after their names to indicate that they are qualified legal practitioners.
Accordingly, rather than writing “Barrister Ofa Joseph”, the preferred style is “Ofa Joseph, Esq.”
Interestingly, this is not an entirely new position. In Nigerian Bar Association v. Ofomata (2017) 5 NWLR (Pt. 1557) 128, the Court described the use of “Barrister” as a title before a lawyer’s name as unprofessional and improper.
The latest directive simply reinforces that position, particularly in relation to official dealings with the Supreme Court.
Importantly, the directive does not prevent lawyers from describing themselves as barristers. A lawyer may still accurately state:
“I am a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.”
The only issue is the use of “Barrister” as a prefix before a lawyer’s name in official court documents.
At first glance, the change may appear minor. However, the Supreme Court considers it important that professional titles follow established conventions. In an institution where precision, order and professionalism are paramount, even the manner in which lawyers present their names matters.
Therefore, if you are a lawyer preparing documents for the Supreme Court, the correct style is:
Ofa Joseph, Esq.
not
Barrister Ofa Joseph.
Ultimately, the directive is about professional etiquette and proper court practice. It does not remove or diminish anyone’s qualification as a legal practitioner.
Supreme Court Clarifies Approved Title for Nigerian Lawyers
Supreme Court Clarifies Approved Title for Nigerian Lawyers
Supreme Court Clarifies Approved Title for Nigerian Lawyers
Supreme Court Clarifies Approved Title for Nigerian Lawyers
Supreme Court Clarifies Approved Title for Nigerian Lawyers