Step Rights Magazine Pralarg Magazine
By Step Rights Magazine
Social media has recently been awash with claims that the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) has banned Nigerian lawyers from using the title “Barrister.” The claim has generated widespread debate within the legal profession and among members of the public.
However, a review of the facts shows that the claim is inaccurate.
What Actually Happened?
During the 2026 Call to the Nigerian Bar ceremonies, the Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Chief Adegboyega Solomon Awomolo, SAN, addressed newly admitted lawyers on professional ethics and decorum.
Among the issues he raised was the growing practice of lawyers placing “Barr.” or “Barrister” before their names on letterheads, social media profiles, business cards, and other official documents.
He advised that the practice is professionally inappropriate because “Barrister” is not a title to be used as a prefix in the manner of “Dr.”, “Prof.”, or “Engr.”
Rather, it describes a legal practitioner who has been called to the Bar.
Importantly, this was guidance issued by the Body of Benchers and not a judicial order by the Chief Justice of Nigeria.
Was the CJN Involved?
The Chief Justice of Nigeria did not issue any directive banning lawyers from using the word “Barrister.”
Likewise, no law has been enacted prohibiting Nigerian lawyers from describing themselves as barristers.
The reports circulating online incorrectly attributed the advisory to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, thereby creating the impression that a formal prohibition had been introduced.
What Is the Body of Benchers?
The Body of Benchers is the highest legal institution responsible for matters relating to the formal admission of persons into the legal profession in Nigeria.
Its responsibilities include:
- Calling qualified law graduates to the Nigerian Bar;
- Upholding professional ethics and discipline;
- Preserving the dignity and traditions of the legal profession.
Although its guidance carries considerable professional weight, it is different from a judgment of a court or a law passed by the National Assembly.
Can Lawyers Still Use the Word “Barrister”?
Yes.
A Nigerian lawyer may accurately describe himself or herself as:
- Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria;
- Legal Practitioner;
- Attorney-at-Law (where appropriate in context).
The advisory simply discourages using “Barr.” as a prefix before a person’s name, such as:
❌ Barr. John Adewale
Instead, lawyers are encouraged to write:
John Adewale, Esq.
or simply
John Adewale, followed by relevant academic or professional qualifications where necessary.
Why Does This Matter?
Professional titles are part of the identity and traditions of every profession.
The advisory seeks to maintain uniformity within the Nigerian legal profession and to align legal practice with established professional etiquette.
While many lawyers have traditionally used “Barr.” as a prefix, the Body of Benchers believes the practice does not reflect the conventional usage within the profession.
Step Rights Legal Insight
This development should not be interpreted as a legal ban.
There is currently no law making it an offence for a lawyer to use the word “Barrister,” nor has the Chief Justice of Nigeria prohibited lawyers from identifying themselves as barristers.
The discussion concerns professional etiquette, not criminal liability or disciplinary sanctions arising solely from the use of the prefix.
Members of the public should therefore be cautious about social media posts claiming that the CJN has outlawed the title.
As with many legal stories, the difference between an advisory, a professional guideline, a court judgment, and an Act of the National Assembly is significant.
Conclusion
The viral claim that the Chief Justice of Nigeria has banned lawyers from using the title “Barrister” is false.
What actually occurred was a professional advisory from the Body of Benchers discouraging lawyers from using “Barr.” as a prefix before their names. The advisory is intended to promote professional uniformity and preserve the traditions of the Nigerian legal profession.
For lawyers and members of the public alike, understanding the distinction between a professional guideline and a binding legal prohibition is essential to avoiding misinformation.
Fact Check Verdict: FALSE
Claim: The Chief Justice of Nigeria has banned Nigerian lawyers from using the title “Barrister.”
Verdict: False. The guidance came from the Chairman of the Body of Benchers during the 2026 Call to Bar ceremony and relates to professional etiquette, not a legal ban issued by the Chief Justice of Nigeria.