Legal practitioner Olugbenga Olusanya Ajala has been elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), earning one of the most prestigious distinctions in the country’s legal profession, as family members, friends and professional associates gathered in Abuja to celebrate his achievement.
Ajala, a product of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), was among the 68 legal practitioners admitted to the rank during the 2026 conferment ceremony held on Monday, October 12, 2026, as part of activities marking the commencement of the Supreme Court of Nigeria’s 2026/2027 Legal Year.
The occasion brought together people who have been part of his personal and professional journey, including his mother, wife, friends and colleagues, who joined him to mark the milestone. Their presence highlighted the importance of family encouragement, professional relationships and the support system behind a major career achievement.
Among those who celebrated with the new SAN was Abosede Oguntade, daughter of retired Supreme Court Justice George Adesola Oguntade. Also present was Ranti Thomas, Publisher and Chief Editor of The Royal Times Newspaper and Online and The Network Times, who joined other well-wishers in celebrating Ajala’s elevation.
For Ajala, the conferment represents a significant moment in a legal career that has now earned him recognition among practitioners admitted to Nigeria’s inner Bar. The celebration also provided an opportunity for family, friends and colleagues to acknowledge the commitment and professional standing associated with attaining the distinction.
A Prestigious Rank That Demands Excellence
The rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria is one of the highest distinctions in the country’s legal profession. It is not automatically awarded on the basis of years of practice or possession of legal qualifications. Applicants must undergo a rigorous assessment by the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee, which considers their professional records, competence, integrity and contributions to the development of the law.
The selection process is highly competitive, with applicants required to satisfy established criteria and demonstrate the professional standards expected of those seeking admission to the inner Bar. Consequently, becoming a SAN is widely regarded as a major career milestone, reflecting years of practice, dedication and commitment to the legal profession.
Ajala’s elevation therefore represents more than a ceremonial honour. It places him among a select group of Nigerian legal practitioners entrusted with upholding the standards associated with the rank.
His background as a graduate of the University of Lagos also connects his achievement to an institution that has contributed significantly to the development of Nigeria’s legal community, producing practitioners and scholars who have served in different areas of the justice system.
CJN Reminds New SANs of Their Professional Responsibilities
The conferment took place against the backdrop of a strong message from the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, who emphasised that professional distinction must go hand in hand with accountability and ethical conduct.
In her address at the opening of the 2026/2027 Legal Year, the CJN reminded members of the Bar that attaining the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria does not place anyone above professional scrutiny or disciplinary standards.
She also urged lawyers to avoid forum shopping and the filing of multiple cases seeking substantially similar reliefs, warning that such practices could lead to conflicting court orders and weaken public confidence in the administration of justice.
Kekere-Ekun further condemned the intimidation and harassment of judges, lawyers and court employees through social media, insisting that complaints about judicial conduct and decisions should be addressed through appropriate channels.
Her message reinforced the responsibility of senior members of the legal profession to promote integrity, respect for the rule of law and public confidence in the judiciary.
For newly elevated SANs such as Ajala, the expectations accompanying the rank extend beyond personal recognition to include continued professional discipline and respect for the principles of justice.
Family, Friendship and Professional Solidarity
The presence of Ajala’s mother, wife, friends and colleagues at the Abuja ceremony added a personal dimension to the formal conferment. Their participation reflected the significance of celebrating professional accomplishments with those who have shared in the journey leading to them.
The attendance of Ranti Thomas, who leads The Royal Times and The Network Times, also underscored the connection between the legal and media communities, both of which play important roles in promoting public understanding of justice, accountability and the rule of law.
As congratulations pour in following his elevation, Ajala’s admission to the inner Bar marks an important new chapter in his professional life. The honour brings recognition for past achievements while setting a higher expectation for continued excellence, integrity and service to the legal profession.
Congratulations to Olugbenga Olusanya Ajala, SAN, on this remarkable achievement. His elevation is a moment of pride for his family, friends, colleagues and the University of Lagos community, and a fitting recognition of the dedication required to attain one of Nigeria’s most distinguished legal honours.