The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, on Monday swore in 57 new Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) during a special session of the Supreme Court to mark the commencement of the 2025/2026 Legal Year in Abuja.
Among those conferred with the prestigious rank was Adedayo Adesina, co-founder of Oyewole & Adesina and a notable reform advocate, recognised for his contributions to judicial reform, corporate governance, and public service.
In her remarks, Justice Kekere-Ekun described the conferment as a call to integrity and service. She warned that the privilege of the SAN rank could be withdrawn if abused.
“This occasion is not merely a celebration, 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 four eminent jurists who passed away during the last legal year, including former Chief Justice Muhammadu Lawal Uwais, praising their dedication to justice.
Judiciary Reforms
Justice Kekere-Ekun highlighted key reforms implemented over the past year:
- Petition Resolution: All pending NJC petitions resolved, with sanctions imposed where necessary.
- Court Modernisation: Digitisation of case records, a new Case Management System, and streamlined processes to cut delays.
- Improved Access: New Central Information and Case Continuation Units allow easier case tracking.
- Automation: Supreme Court’s Notary Public Unit fully automated with an Electronic Notary Register.
- Staff Welfare: Prompt salaries, improved welfare packages, and successful engagement with JUSUN to prevent strikes.
She revealed that the Supreme Court heard 2,280 matters, including 560 appeals, and delivered 369 judgments — up from 247 the previous year.
On anti-corruption, she noted the work of the Corruption and Financial Crime Cases Trial Monitoring Committee (COTRIMCO), highlighting 1,417 convictions by the EFCC in 2025 and nine convictions secured by the ICPC.
About Adedayo Adesina
Adedayo, from Ogbomosho, Oyo State, graduated top of his class from the University of Jos in 2008 and was called to the Bar in 2009. He later earned an LL.M. in Banking and Finance Law from the University of London.
With a 15-year career spanning top law firms like Templars and Wole Olanipekun & Co., he co-founded Oyewole & Adesina, where he is Managing Partner. His work under the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) included drafting the Business Facilitation Act 2021 and developing Small Claims Court Practice Directions.
Recognised by former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo for his role in ease-of-doing-business reforms, Adedayo is also a Notary Public, Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants, and active member of the NBA, IBA, CIArb (UK), and BRIPAN.
A reception in his honour will be held at Centre Point Event Centre, Maitama, Abuja, with dignitaries including Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Chairman of the Body of SANs Prof. Alfred Bandele Kasunmu (SAN), and NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN).
The elevation of Adedayo and 56 others is widely seen as recognition of their exceptional contributions to Nigeria’s legal profession and the justice system.
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