The Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN), lawyers aspiring to be conferred with the prestigious title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) are now required to pay a hefty fee of ₦304,575.00 (Three Hundred and Four Thousand, Five Hundred and Seventy-Five Naira) for orientation and induction.

This new requirement has stirred a mixture of reactions within the legal community, with some lawyers questioning the necessity and transparency of such a high fee, considering the economic challenges faced by many legal practitioners in Nigeria.

The mandatory orientation program is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at the Idera Hall, Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

“Critics argue that the cost of the training doesn’t align with the content provided and the economic realities in Nigeria. They contend that the amount does not correspond with the program’s content and reference Nigeria’s struggling economy. Some have expressed that they could independently organize a similar event for less. Additionally, there are concerns about additional expenses like booking venues, catering, and souvenirs, which further exacerbate the financial burden for aspiring SANs, especially those who may have to travel from different parts of the country to attend the swearing-in ceremony in Abuja

Efforts to obtain a statement from BOSAN regarding the mandatory nature of this orientation were unsuccessful. It’s rumored that those who do not pay the fee may face reputational consequences and be perceived as ‘not in good standing’ within the legal community. However, sources say opting out would brand the new SANs as troublesome.

While there is a growing debate about the legitimacy of BOSAN as an institution with the authority to impose such financial requirements, some lawyers have pointed out that if all 58 Legal Practitioners aiming for the Rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria pay for this training, it would total a staggering ₦17,665,350.

Last year, BOSAN charged ₦200,000 for a one-day prep session on ethics and professionalism. The training featured prominent facilitators such as Justice Dattijo Mohammed JSC, Justice Ejembi Eko JSC, now retired Hon Justice Owoade JCA, and Prof. Bamgbose SAN, who conducted sessions on ethics at the inner bar, among other topics.

While BOSAN’s orientation fee has proven contentious, the appointments recognize these legal practitioners’ outstanding careers and contributions. However, many argue the pre-ceremony requirements should be reasonable and take economic realities into account.

The legal community awaits further clarification on the rationale behind these fees and the value offered through the orientation program as the legal profession prepares to welcome a new cohort of Senior Advocates of Nigeria.

Recall that the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC), presided over by Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, finalized this decision during its 159th plenary session, which took place in Abuja on October 12, 2023.

In light of this development, here is the list of the newly appointed Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN), presented in order of seniority at the Bar:

Felix Ota Offia, Esq Lawrence Bankole Falade, Esq Kingsley Osabuohien Obamogie, Esq Folashade Abosede Alli, Esq Abiola Isiaq Oyebanji, Esq Bomo Olakunle Agbebi, Esq Daniel Osinach Uruakpa, Esq Oseloka Godwin Osuigwe, Esq Babatunde Adeoye, Esq Babaseyi Sigismund Joseph, Esq Emmanuel Moses Enoidem, Esq Kehinde Olufemi Aina, Esq Ngozi Chido Olehi, Esq Aaron Chileokwu Okoroma, Esq Ibrahim Dalhatu Angulu, Esq Olayiwola Emmanuel Afolabi, Esq Sule Shu’aibu, Esq Abiodun Olanrewaju Olaleru, Esq Alfred Olufemi Atteh, Esq Kazeem Adekunle Sobaloju, Esq Shehu Wada Abdullahi, Esq Bamidele Olawoye Ibironke, Esq Oluwaseyilayo Akinkunmi Ojo, Esq Funmi Falana, Esq Felix Tamaraudenkemefa Okorotie, Esq Seun Oluwagbenga Ajayi, Esq Friday Ramses Aku Onoja, Esq Agada John Elachi, Esq Bola Rasaq Gold, Esq Paul Kasimanwuna Maduemene, Esq Rafiu Oyeyemi Balogun, Esq Oluwole Aladedoye, Esq Paulyn Osobhase Abhulimen, Esq Jonathan Gunu Taidi, Esq Tochukwu Jude Onyiuke, Esq Olukayode Abraham Ajulo, Esq Christopher Adapar Umar, Esq Chibueze Ogechi Ogbonna, Esq Yemi Adewale M’Sbaudeen Adesina, Esq Omoyemi Lateef Akangbe, Esq Olumide Akinwale Olujinmi, Esq Musa Adamu Aliyu, Esq Fidelis Chukwunonye Mbadugha, Esq Onyemaechi Chukwudi Adiukwu, Esq Ikechukwu Philip Onuoma, Esq Yakubu Philemon, Esq Johnny Ungwugwaye Agim, Esq Aliyu Lemu Ibrahim, Esq Isaiah Bozimo, Esq Prisca Ozoilesike, Esq Yahaya Dan’asabe Dangana, Esq Adedayo Samuel Adedeji, Esq Adeola Oluwaseun Adedipe, Esq Chikaosolu Ojukwu, Esq Musa Ahmed Attah, Esq Ayotunde Foluso Ogunleye, Esq Olayemi Badewole, Esq The lone successful Academic Applicant is:

Prof. Babatunde Adetunji Oni The swearing-in ceremony will be held on Monday, November 27, 2023. This recognition is a testament to their outstanding legal careers and contributions to the legal profession.

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