The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has expressed deep concern over the decline in ethical standards among lawyers in the country. She highlighted the growing challenges in maintaining professionalism and discipline within the legal profession.

Speaking at the public presentation of the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee report at the Body of Benchers Complex in Abuja, she stressed the urgent need for lawyers to uphold ethical values and professional responsibility.

Justice Kekere-Ekun emphasized that the Body of Benchers, as the highest institution overseeing legal practice in Nigeria, has a key role in ensuring ethical conduct. She urged the body to enforce discipline fairly and transparently through the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC).

She commended the Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Chief Adegboyega Solomon Awomolo, SAN, and other members for their dedication in promoting professionalism in the legal field.

The CJN also chaired the first edition of the Body of Benchers annual lecture, which aims to encourage discussions on the legal profession’s ethical standards. She described the event as an opportunity for lawyers to reflect on their responsibilities and find ways to strengthen the legal profession.

The theme of this year’s lecture, “Half-A-Century of the Body of Benchers: The Past, The Present, and The Future of Maintaining the Ethics of the Legal Profession in Nigeria,” was delivered by former Lagos State Governor and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Babatunde Raji Fashola.

Justice Kekere-Ekun urged that this lecture series continue annually to promote professional ethics, continuous legal education, and judicial reforms. She believes it will help restore public confidence in Nigeria’s legal system.

By reinforcing ethical standards and maintaining professional discipline, she hopes to see a stronger and more trustworthy legal profession in the country.