CJN Swears In 57 New SANs, Calls For Integrity And Reform In Justice System

In a landmark ceremony on Monday, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, formally conferred the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) on 57 distinguished legal practitioners at the Supreme Court Complex, Three Arms Zone, Abuja.

Among the new appointees was Adedayo Gbolahan Adesina, a respected lawyer, reform advocate, and co-founder of Oyewole & Adesina, whose career has been defined by excellence in advocacy, judicial reform, and public service.

Speaking at the special session of the Supreme Court to mark the commencement of the 2025/2026 Legal Year, Justice Kekere-Ekun described the elevation as a moment for “solemn reflection and renewed commitment to the noble calling of justice.” She reminded the new SANs that the privilege carries grave responsibility and warned that it could be withdrawn if abused.

“This occasion is not merely a celebration of time passing, but a call to take stock, reflect on our challenges and achievements, and recommit ourselves to the ideals of justice, fairness, and service to the Nigerian people,” the CJN said.

She also paid tribute to eminent jurists who passed away during the last legal year, including former Chief Justice Muhammadu Lawal Uwais and three retired Supreme Court justices, praising their “unwavering commitment to justice.” Condolences were also extended to families of judicial staff lost within the year.

Justice Kekere-Ekun highlighted reforms and milestones recorded by the judiciary in the past year, including:

• Petition Resolution: All pending petitions before the National Judicial Council (NJC) were resolved, with sanctions applied where necessary. A serial frivolous petitioner was barred from future filings, while errant lawyers were referred to the Legal Practitioners’ Disciplinary Committee (LPDC).
• Court Modernization: Case management systems were streamlined, records digitized, and a new Court Records Processing Unit established to drastically reduce missing files.
• Access to Justice: Central Information and Case Continuation Units were created, allowing lawyers and litigants to easily track case progress.
• Digitization: The Nigerian Case Management System (NCMS) is set for nationwide rollout, enabling e-filing of appeals and cutting delays from physical filings.
• Automation: The Supreme Court’s Notary Public Unit is now fully automated with an Electronic Notary Register (ENR) for centralized tracking.
• Staff Welfare: Salaries and allowances were promptly paid, welfare packages improved, and constructive dialogue with JUSUN helped avert strikes.

She reported that the Supreme Court heard 2,280 matters, including 560 appeals, and delivered 369 judgments — a significant rise from the previous year’s 247.

On anti-corruption, she disclosed that the Corruption and Financial Crime Cases Trial Monitoring Committee (COTRIMCO) worked closely with agencies such as the EFCC, which secured 1,417 convictions in 2025, while the ICPC initiated 43 new cases and recorded nine convictions.

Profile of Adedayo Gbolahan Adesina, SAN

Born in Kano to the late Engr. Gbadebo Timothy Adesina and Mrs. Funmilayo Oluwatoyin Adesina, Adedayo hails from Ogbomosho, Oyo State. A first-class graduate of the University of Jos (2008), he was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2009 and later earned an LL.M. in Banking and Finance Law from the University of London.

Over a 15-year career, he has worked with top firms such as Dele Olaniyan & Co., Templars, and Wole Olanipekun & Co., before co-founding Oyewole & Adesina, where he is Managing Partner.

Adedayo was instrumental in reforms under the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), including drafting the Business Facilitation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2021 (Omnibus Bill) and developing Practice Directions for Small Claims Courts — reforms that enhanced access to justice and commercial dispute resolution.

Recognised by former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo for his contributions to Nigeria’s ease-of-doing-business reforms, he continues to mentor young lawyers and contribute to scholarship in corporate governance, finance law, and judicial reform.

He is a Notary Public, a Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants, and a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, International Bar Association, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK), and BRIPAN.

Reception in Honour

A reception in Adedayo’s honour will hold at the Centre Point Event Centre, Maitama, Abuja. Expected guests include Attorney-General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi, SAN; Chairman of the Body of SANs, Prof. Alfred Bandele Kasunmu, SAN; and NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN.

His elevation, alongside 56 others, is widely seen as a recognition of their exceptional contributions to Nigeria’s legal profession and justice system.