“A Historic Day for Nigerian Law: Benchers’ Induction Sets New Standards”
On February 27, 2025, Asiwaju Adegboyega S. Awomolo, SAN, Chairman of the Body of Benchers, made a powerful statement as he addressed the newly inducted Life Benchers and Benchers at a monumental ceremony at the Benchers Complex in Abuja. He emphasized, “To whom much is given, much is expected. You must set the right values for young lawyers in and out of court.”
This induction ceremony was truly a milestone, marking the first-ever formal orientation of Benchers in the Body’s history. Awomolo underscored that this event was not just a celebration of new titles but a call to uphold the highest ethical and professional standards. He reminded inductees that their elevation to this prestigious role was not only a personal achievement but a responsibility to the legal profession and the nation.
The event saw 21 new Benchers inducted and 8 new Life Benchers confirmed, bringing the total number of Life Benchers in Nigeria to 170. Among the distinguished attendees were Hon. Justice Alfa Belgore, former Chief Justice of Nigeria, who delivered an impactful keynote address about ethics and the critical role of Benchers in mentoring younger lawyers to maintain integrity and professionalism.
The ceremony was also graced by key legal figures, including Umaru Abdullahi, Formef President of the Court of Appeal, who provided a comprehensive historical overview of the Body of Benchers, reflecting on its establishment in 1975. He emphasized the role the Body plays in regulating and shaping the legal profession in Nigeria.
Justice Bozimo of the National Judicial Institute echoed the importance of instilling discipline and ethical values from the onset of a law student’s journey, urging renewed focus on mentorship. In his speech, Kanu Agabi, SAN, lamented the growing influence of wealth over ethics in modern society, urging the new Benchers to remain steadfast in promoting moral values within the legal profession.
The ceremony also involved the presentation of certificates to the inductees. Certificates were handed to Life Benchers by Umaru Abdullahi and to new Benchers by Hon. Justice Alfa Belgore.
Awomolo, reflecting on the Body’s origin with just 16 members, expressed pride in presiding over such an important event. He highlighted the Body of Benchers as the highest regulatory authority for Nigeria’s legal profession, stressing the significance of its role in collaborating with the Nigerian Law School to maintain high standards of legal education and enforcing disciplinary measures against erring practitioners.
He also reminded the inductees of the privileges and responsibilities tied to their new roles, including sponsoring aspirants to the Bar and attending prestigious ceremonies. The Chairman cautioned against misconduct, particularly the exposure of internal matters to social media, a violation punishable by the Body.
In closing, Asiwaju Awomolo reminded all present of the profound responsibility that comes with their new positions, urging them to lead by example and instill the right values in the younger generation of lawyers.
The ceremony ended with a reaffirmation of the Body’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of the legal profession, ensuring that ethical values, integrity, and professionalism remain the cornerstones of the Nigerian legal system.
