The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) has suspended prominent lawyer Mike Ozekhome from using the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
The suspension will remain in force pending the conclusion of ongoing disciplinary proceedings against him.
The decision was made public in a statement issued on Thursday by Kabir Akanbi, the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, who noted that the committee finalized the disciplinary action during its 173rd general meeting held on June 23.
Ozekhome is one of the most recognizable constitutional lawyers, human rights activists, and public commentators in the country. Over his decades-long career, he has been involved in several high-profile political, constitutional, and human rights cases across the country.
The title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) is the highest honor bestowed upon legal practitioners in the country, recognizing excellence and long-standing contributions to the legal profession. The LPPC is the statutory body empowered to award and withdraw the rank.
The committee explained that the suspension was approved at its 173rd general meeting held on Tuesday, acting pursuant to Paragraph 26(6) of the Guidelines for the Conferment of the Rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria and all Matters Pertaining to the Rank. The action is tied to disciplinary proceedings currently before the Disciplinary and Ethics Sub-Committee of the LPPC and other related proceedings.
According to the statement signed by Akanbi, who also serves as the Secretary of the LPPC, the temporary ban is intended to safeguard the integrity, dignity, and prestige of the SAN rank while the matters under review are being considered.
The statement stressed that during this period, Ozekhome must strictly comply with the terms of the suspension.
It said, “Accordingly, Chief Mike Ozekhome shall refrain from parading himself, presenting himself, or otherwise holding himself out as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria pending the final determination of the disciplinary proceedings”.
The registrar said the body is dedicated to maintaining the honor of the legal sector.
“The LPPC remains committed to upholding the highest standards of professional ethics, integrity, and discipline within the legal profession and to ensuring that the Rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria continues to command public confidence and respect”.
