_Constitutional lawyer barred from using title pending ethics review_
The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee has suspended Professor Mike Ozekhome, SAN, from using the Senior Advocate of Nigeria title pending the outcome of disciplinary proceedings against him.
The LPPC announced the suspension Tuesday, June 24, 2026, at the end of its 173rd General Meeting.
In a statement signed by Secretary Kabiru Eniola Akanbi, who also serves as Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, the committee said the action was taken under Paragraph 26(6) of the Guidelines for the Conferment of the SAN Rank.
According to the LPPC, Ozekhome’s suspension will remain in effect “pending the final determination of the disciplinary proceedings presently before the Disciplinary and Ethics Sub-Committee.”
The committee said the step was necessary “to safeguard the integrity, dignity and prestige of the SAN rank.”
As a result, Ozekhome has been barred from parading himself as, or holding himself out to be, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria until the proceedings are concluded.
“The LPPC remains committed to upholding the highest standards of professional ethics, integrity and discipline within the legal profession and to ensuring that the rank of SAN continues to command public confidence and respect,” the statement read.
The committee did not disclose details of the allegations under review.
Ozekhome, a professor of law, is one of Nigeria’s foremost constitutional lawyers and human rights advocates. He was conferred with the SAN rank years ago and has handled several high-profile public interest cases.
The LPPC is the body empowered by law to confer and regulate the SAN rank, Nigeria’s highest legal title for advocates.
