CJN Kudirat Kekere-Ekun Warns In opposition to Commercialisation Of Authorized Observe, Urges Moral Reawakening
Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, on Wednesday issued a stern warning to authorized practitioners in opposition to turning the occupation right into a profit-driven enterprise.
Kekere-Ekun cautioned that the rising pattern of prioritising {financial} acquire over justice threatened the integrity of the authorized system.
Talking on the opening of the 2026 Annual Convention of Nigerian Bar Affiliation Part on Authorized Observe (NBA-SLP) in Lagos, the CJN mentioned the authorized occupation should not be decreased to “transactional advocacy”.
She careworn that legal professionals had the next responsibility to uphold justice, defend the rule of regulation, and act with moral accountability.
Kekere-Ekun acknowledged, “There’s rising concern that, in some situations, briefs are undertaken primarily for financial acquire, with out enough regard to the enforcement of purchasers’ rights or the event of sound authorized rules.”
She warned that such practices risked eroding public confidence within the justice system and diminishing the noble standing of the authorized occupation.
She emphasised that legal professionals weren’t merely advocates for purchasers but in addition “ministers within the temple of justice”, with an obligation to help the courts in reaching honest outcomes, discourage frivolous litigation, and be sure that authorized processes weren’t used as instruments of delay, oppression, or abuse.
The CJN’s remarks got here amid broader considerations about delays within the administration of justice and allegations of unethical practices throughout the authorized occupation.
Highlighting the quickly evolving nature of authorized apply globally, she acknowledged that developments in synthetic intelligence, digital innovation, and cross-border transactions have been reshaping how authorized companies have been delivered.
Whereas these developments introduced new alternatives, she cautioned that they have to not come on the expense of moral requirements.
“The authorized occupation at present stands at a essential juncture,” she mentioned, urging practitioners to embrace innovation whereas preserving the core values of integrity, competence, and constancy to the rule of regulation.
Kekere-Ekun careworn the necessity for stronger collaboration between the Bench and the Bar, saying the synergy is important to construct a authorized system that’s responsive, resilient, and able to assembly fashionable calls for, whereas sustaining public belief.
In a transfer seen as a part of efforts to modernise the authorized apply, the CJN recommended the NBA-SLP for launching a Legislation Agency Listing. She described the initiative as a major step in direction of enhancing transparency, credibility, and accessibility throughout the occupation.
She additionally highlighted the significance of mentoring younger legal professionals, stating that the way forward for the Bar depends upon the values instilled within the subsequent technology of practitioners.
Kekere-Ekun acknowledged the keynote deal with delivered by Taoheed Olufemi Elias, saying his contributions proceed to raise Nigeria’s presence in worldwide authorized circles.
Declaring the convention open, the CJN expressed optimism that the deliberations would produce sensible options that might assist to strengthen authorized apply and enhance the administration of justice in Nigeria.
Wale Igbintade
Times Nigeria