HRM Olori Olufunmilayo Ajibola-Oluyede, Sidi Bage, Ejembi Eko, Ozekhome, and Others Inducted as Life Benchers

……..21 New Benchers Join the Prestigious Body

Nigeria’s Body of Benchers, led by Asiwaju Adegboyega S. Awomolo (SAN), has inducted several distinguished legal professionals as Life Benchers, including retired Supreme Court Justices, Hon. Justice Sidi Bage, JSC, and Hon. Justice Ejembi Eko, JSC, as well as prominent figures such as Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, human rights lawyer Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), and former United Nations Special Rapporteur on Trafficking, Prof. Joy Ngozi Ezeilo (SAN).

A total of 21 new Benchers were inducted, while eight distinguished individuals were conferred as Life Benchers, bringing the total number of Life Benchers in Nigeria to 170.

Addressing the newly inducted members at the Benchers Complex, Abuja, Awomolo, SAN, emphasized the weight of their new responsibilities:

Describing the occasion as a historic milestone, he noted that this was the first formal induction and orientation of Benchers in the history of the Body, reinforcing its role in upholding the highest ethical and professional standards in Nigeria’s legal profession.

The event was attended by several legal luminaries, including Hon. Justice Alfa Belgore, former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), who delivered a keynote address on the importance of ethics and professionalism in legal practice. He urged the new inductees to serve as role models for younger lawyers and to uphold integrity at all times.

Hon. Justice Umaru Abdullahi, former President of the Court of Appeal, provided a historical perspective on the Body of Benchers, tracing its origins to the Legal Practitioners (Amendment) Decree No. 15 of 1975. He highlighted its evolution and crucial role in regulating the legal profession.

Hon. Justice Rosaline Bozimo, former Administrator of the National Judicial Institute (NJI) and Ex-Chief Judge of Delta State, emphasized the need for early mentorship and ethical training for law students. She called for a renewed focus on decorum and professionalism in legal practice.

Kanu Agabi, SAN, in his speech, decried the increasing influence of wealth over justice and urged the new Benchers to prioritize moral values, using their positions to promote fairness and equity.

The ceremony also included the presentation of certificates to the newly inducted Life Benchers and Benchers. Hon. Justice Umaru Abdullahi and Hon. Justice Alfa Belgore performed the honors.

In his remarks, Chairman Awomolo, SAN, reflected on the evolution of the Body of Benchers, noting that it started with 16 founding members, with Chief Ambassador C. D. Orike being the sole surviving member today. He reaffirmed that the Body is the highest regulatory authority in Nigeria’s legal profession, responsible for determining who is fit and proper to be admitted to the Bar.

Awomolo also warned against misconduct, particularly exposing internal matters on social media, which he stated could lead to disciplinary action.

Speaking with journalists and expressing her gratitude, HRM Olori Olufunmilayo Ajibola-Oluyede thanked God for the privilege of being inducted as a Life Bencher, appreciating the support of her late husband HRM Ọba Ajibola Oluyede, her beloved children, and the people of her domain for the encouragement to attain such great platform.

HRM Olori Olufunmilayo Ajibola-Oluyede however pledged to uphold the integrity of the Body of Benchers, serve as a good ambassador, and continue her commitment to justice and humanity.

Here is the official list of newly Inducted life benchers and benchers

Life Benchers

Hon. Justice Adarna Iyayi-Lamikanra

Hon. Justice Ngozi P. Emehelu

Hon. Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu

Chief Offiong E.B. Offiong, SAN

Olori Olufunmilayo Ajibola-Oluyede, NRM

Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN

Razak Osayande Isenalumhe, Esq

Lady Gloria Umoren

Prof. Mike Ozekhome, CON, SAN

Prof. Joy Ngozi Ezeilo, OON, SAN

Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, CFR

Mr. Solomon Umoh, SAN

Senator Opeyemi Bamidele

Michael Idele, CON

A. K. Jingi, Esq

Hon. Justice John T. Tsoho, OFR

Hon. Justice Ejembi Eko

(HRH) Hon. Justice Sidi Bage, CFR

Hon. Justice Fatima Ommi Akinbami

Benchers

Dr. Muhammed Alimi Abdul-Razaq, SAN

Chief Chris Uche, SAN

Hon. Eberechi Adele, SAN

Mr. Jude Nnodum, OFR, SAN

Dr. Livy Uzoukwu, OON, SAN

Mr. Tunde Oyewole

Mr. Mohammed Bello Adoke, CFR, SAN

Hon. Justice Nwaigwe A. Anselm

Sen. Ibn Na’Allah

Mr. Mahmud Abubakar Magaji, SAN

Mr. Y. C. Maikyau, OON, SAN

Mr. Faruk Sani

Prof. Sani Muhammad Adam

Mr. Adegboruwa Ebun-Olu Samuel, SAN

Chief (Mrs.) Victoria O. Awomolo, SAN

Mr. Emeka Obegolu, SAN

Marvel E. Akpoyibo, Esq

Dr. Solomon Arase, CFR

Kehinde O. Ogunwumiju, OFR, SAN

Hon. Onofiok Akpan Luke.