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A lawyer protested after some Senior Advocates of Nigeria and other legal practitioners were kept outside the Supreme Court during the opening of the 2026/2027 Legal Year.
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The protester alleged that the lawyers were denied access because officials were waiting for a politician, accusing the legal profession of allowing politicians to “ride roughshod” over the judiciary.
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The incident triggered biting reactions on X, where some Nigerians mocked the affected senior lawyers with the familiar refrain, “Go to court,” while others blamed the legal profession for tolerating political interference.
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The controversy erupted as the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, presided over the ceremony for the conferment of the SAN rank on 68 legal practitioners.
October 13, (THEWILL) – Nigerians on social media have mocked some Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) who were reportedly shut out of the Supreme Court during Monday’s opening of the 2026/2027 Legal Year, after a protesting lawyer alleged that they were being kept outside while officials awaited a politician.
“Go to court,” one X user fired back sarcastically, turning a phrase frequently associated with post-election disputes against members of the legal profession as footage of the protest circulated online.
The controversy unfolded at the Supreme Court in Abuja, where senior lawyers, judicial officers, government officials and other guests had gathered for the commencement of the new Legal Year and the formal conferment of the rank of SAN on 68 legal practitioners.
A viral video from the court showed several lawyers, including senior practitioners, gathered on the staircase and around the entrance to the venue while access was restricted.
A man identified in reports as a retired comrade protested the development in the footage, alleging that SANs were being denied access because officials were waiting for a politician.
“How can SANs be prevented from having access to the Supreme Court because we are waiting for a politician?” he demanded.
“We legal practitioners in Nigeria have allowed politicians to ride roughshod over the judiciary for too long, and now we are seeing the consequences,” he added.
The allegation that the lawyers were kept outside specifically to accommodate a politician could not be independently established from the video. The politician allegedly being awaited was also not identified.
But the protest quickly moved from the Supreme Court premises to social media, where the incident generated criticism, sarcasm and accusations that members of the legal profession were experiencing the consequences of what some commentators described as years of tolerating excessive political influence over the judiciary.
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Reacting on X, Joseph Alex wrote: “Go to court sir,” before alleging that politicians routinely tell opponents to seek judicial redress after disputed elections.
Another user, Nnaemeka, questioned what lawyers expected after defending politicians accused by their opponents of electoral wrongdoing. The user also referenced controversies surrounding benefits provided to judicial officers.
Unique similarly linked the incident to the contentious provision of houses for judges, arguing that political influence over the judiciary had been allowed to grow.
“Judges accepted houses from the politicians… they can do with you however they like,” the user wrote.
Another commentator, Chief&Queen, warned that tolerating irresponsible conduct by politicians could eventually have wider consequences.
“Anarchy will consume everyone. Keep encouraging politicians to act irresponsibly, and one day the consequences will affect everyone,” the user said.
Oheari Tobechi was even more critical, alleging an unhealthy relationship between the judiciary and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), while questioning why SANs should expect sympathy after being made to wait outside for a politician.
68 New SANs Sworn In
The controversy came as Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, presided over the formal admission of 68 new Senior Advocates of Nigeria into the Inner Bar.
The new SANs comprise 67 advocates and one academic, Professor Nnamdi Onyeka Obiaraeri, who was recognised for his contribution to legal scholarship.
Their elevation had earlier been approved by the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) at its 174th plenary session chaired by Kekere-Ekun.
The successful candidates were also required to complete a mandatory induction programme before their formal conferment.
The SAN rank is one of the highest professional distinctions in Nigeria’s legal profession and is conferred on practitioners who have distinguished themselves in advocacy or, in the academic category, made significant contributions to legal scholarship.
The opening of the Legal Year is one of the major ceremonial events on Nigeria’s judicial calendar and traditionally attracts Supreme Court justices, senior lawyers, government officials, and other dignitaries.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
