𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗔𝘀 𝗖𝗝𝗡 𝗢𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗟𝗮𝘄𝘆𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗧𝗼 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽 '𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿' 𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲

𝗕𝘆 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗗𝗲𝗹𝘁𝗮 𝗩𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲,

𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝘁𝗮, 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮.

The directive by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, ordering legal practitioners to discontinue the use of the title "Barrister" as a prefix to their names has generated widespread reactions from Nigerians, with many taking to social media to express differing opinions on the decision.

The directive, contained in a memorandum dated July 13, 2026, was addressed to litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars and lawyers. According to the memo, the use of the title "Barrister" in official engagements is considered inappropriate, and legal practitioners have been instructed to stop adopting it as a formal prefix.

Following the announcement, Nigerians flooded the comment section of TheCable's social media post, with many questioning the rationale behind the directive, while others argued that the judiciary should focus on more pressing issues affecting the nation's justice system.

One commenter, Ale Einstein Omeben, argued that if the same reasoning was being applied, then the title "Chief Justice" should also be reconsidered.

"She should also drop the title of 'Chief Justice' along the same arguments she just canvassed."

Another user, Abdulsalam Ado, challenged supporters of the directive to suggest what lawyers should now be called if the title "Barrister" is discarded.

"Then tell us the new name you gave them."

Responding to the discussion, Edisana Inyang suggested that lawyers could simply adopt "Esq." (Esquire) as their professional designation.

"Esq to that effect."

For Ibangha Ike, the decision appeared misplaced, as he questioned whether changing professional titles should be a priority for Nigeria's judiciary amid more significant challenges confronting the justice sector.

"Is that the most primary challenge of the Nigerian judiciary now?"

His comment drew agreement from another user, Cyril Thompson, who simply responded:

"Abi?"

Adding a humorous perspective, Samuel Ogbonna argued that individuals should have the freedom to decide what titles they wish to attach to their own names.

"Ma, no be you go tell use wetin we go add for our name."

The comments reflect a broader divide among Nigerians. While some believe the directive promotes professionalism and aligns legal practice with international standards, others see it as unnecessary and believe the judiciary should concentrate on issues such as delayed justice, court reforms, judicial independence and improved access to justice.

The debate has since continued across social media platforms, with many lawyers and members of the public expressing varying interpretations of the CJN's directive and what it means for the legal profession in Nigeria.