Fani-Kayode, Seyi Tinubu receive senior counsel rank

Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini, Femi Fani-Kayode and four other legal professionals have been conferred with the rank of Senior Counsel of Nigeria by the Nigerian Law Society (NLS).

The other recipients include Seyi Tinubu, Olufunmilayo Osifuye, Ihudiebube Chukwumdi and Alabi Adigun.

The conferment took place during the Nigerian Law Society’s 2026 Annual General Conference in Utako, Abuja.

The Senior Counsel of Nigeria (SCN) title, also known as Blue Silks, was introduced in 2025 to recognise legal professionals who have distinguished themselves in specialised areas of the profession outside traditional courtroom practice.

It is regarded as the equivalent of the Fellowship of the Nigerian Law Society and covers professionals who have made contributions to areas such as corporate administration, legal consultancy, arbitration, mediation, governance and legislative drafting.

The conference held under the theme, Justice for All: Non-Litigation Nigerian Law Graduates Through the Blue Silks (SCN), BOSCON and the NLS.

Fani-Kayode, in his acceptance address delivered by his Special Adviser on Media and Executive Assistant, Lizzy Okoji, called for greater protection of Nigerians' rights and dignity, both within and outside the country.

He maintained that access to justice should be available to everyone, regardless of their financial position, political connections or social standing.

The former Minister of Aviation said his diplomatic assignment in South Africa had further strengthened his commitment to defending human rights, particularly because of the challenges confronting some Nigerians living in the country.

He recalled that one of his first official activities after arriving in South Africa was a town hall meeting with members of the Nigerian community. During the meeting, he listened to their complaints and assured them that the Federal Government remained committed to protecting Nigerians living abroad.

Fani-Kayode also noted that defending human rights requires courage, compassion, sacrifice and a commitment to truth.

NLS President, Ambassador Dahiru Aliyu, explained that the organisation was established to provide a professional platform for Nigerian law graduates whose careers do not revolve around courtroom litigation.

He identified corporate management, legal advisory services, arbitration, mediation, regulatory compliance, governance, legislative drafting and legal research as some of the areas covered by the society.

Aliyu disclosed that the NLS was established alongside the Body of Senior Counsel of Nigeria (BOSCON) and received its certificate of registration on December 30, 2025.

He explained that the organisation was formed in accordance with Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which guarantees citizens the right to freedom of association.

According to him, the Blue Silks programme was created to reward professional excellence, commitment and contributions to the legal profession beyond conventional courtroom activities.

He added that the initiative would encourage younger legal professionals to maintain high ethical standards and continue developing their professional skills.

He urged members to uphold transparency, respect the society's constitution and settle internal disagreements through dialogue and lawful means.

The Chairperson of BOSCON, Elizabeth Orebiyi, who was represented by Ndidi Okoro, said the development of the legal profession depended on contributions from professionals working outside litigation.

She identified universities, corporate organisations, legislative institutions, regulatory agencies and policy development as important areas where legal practitioners could make valuable contributions.

Orebiyi explained that the Blue Silks recognition covers four professional categories: Senior Legal Academic (SLA), Senior Corporate Counsel (SCC), Senior Legislative Counsel (SLC) and Senior Law Reform Counsel (SLRC).

She said the Senior Counsel title should be associated with experience, professional competence, integrity, intellectual leadership and service to society.

She also encouraged young law graduates to acquire knowledge in emerging areas such as technology, artificial intelligence, commercial innovation, regulatory reforms, international transactions and alternative dispute resolution.