No legal basis for CJN’s ban on ‘Barrister’ title — Law societyAugust 12, 2026 1:43 pmNo legal basis for CJN’s ban on ‘Barrister’ title — Law societyChief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-EkunThe Nigerian Law Society has rejected the directive of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, asking lawyers to stop using “Barrister” as a title and adopt “Esquire” instead.The society argued that the directive has no clear basis in existing legislation.Recall that the CJN directed lawyers and court officials to immediately discontinue the use of “Barrister” before their names in official engagements at the Supreme Court.The directive was contained in a July 13, 2026 memo signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi, and addressed to legal practitioners, court registrars and other lawyers.The memo said the measure was intended to promote professional standards at the apex court.However, the NLS, through its Executive Director, Dr Tonye Jaja, in a statement released on Wednesday, said the Legal Practitioners Act, 1962 recognises “Barrister” and “Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria” as titles applicable to lawyers called to the Nigerian Bar.Jaja explained that although the use of “Barrister” alone does not capture the full professional title, “Esquire”.