From Premium Times Nigeria · Falmata Daniel · · 2m
Fani-Kayode rejects senior counsel title
Nigerian ambassador Femi Fani-Kayode publicly rejects Blue Silk title conferred by Nigerian Law Society.
In brief
Nigerian ambassador Femi Fani-Kayode publicly rejects Blue Silk title conferred by Nigerian Law Society. Nigerian ambassador Femi Fani-Kayode disassociates from 'Senior Counsel of Nigeria' title conferred by Nigerian Law Society. Originally reported by Premium Times Nigeria.
Fani-Kayode rejects title
Nigerian ambassador Femi Fani-Kayode publicly rejected 'senior counsel' title conferred on him by Nigerian Law Society.
“did not personally authorise or approve the acceptance of the said designation and hereby formally disassociates himself from the purported conferment”
Title conferred on four
The Nigerian Law Society conferred the title on Fani-Kayode and three other lawyers: S eyi Tinubu, Olufunmilayo Osifuye, Ihudiebube Chukwumdi and Alabi Adigun.
Conferment date
The conferment took place on Thursday at the Nigerian Law Society's 2026 Annual General Conference in Utako, Abuja.
Fani-Kayode's stance
Fani-Kayode described the representative's acceptance as an 'unfortunate administrative misjudgement' and did not endorse the title.
“unfortunate administrative misjudgement”
Legal concerns
Fani-Kayode questioned the legal status of the Nigerian Law Society and its title, citing 41 years of legal practice.
NLS controversy
The Nigerian Law Society has been controversial since introducing the Blue Silk title in 2025 as a rival to the Nigerian Bar Association.
NBA response
The Nigerian Bar Association addressed concerns over the Blue Silk title in November 2025, calling it inconsistent with legal regulations.
LPPC warning
The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee warned lawyers against using the 'Blue Silk' designation in February 2026.
Court dismissal
The Federal High Court dismissed a suit to introduce the Blue Silk title as an alternative to the Senior Advocate of Nigeria rank in May 2026.
Fani-Kayode's warning
Fani-Kayode urged the public to disregard misrepresentations and reaffirmed commitment to rule of law and legal profession dignity.
Legal status question
Fani-Kayode raised concerns about the legal and professional implications of the Blue Silk title in Nigeria.
Fani-Kayode's background
Fani-Kayode is a former aviation minister with 41 years of legal practice experience.
What happens next
The controversy over the Blue Silk title continues to impact Nigerian legal profession standards and recognition.
The takeaway
Nigerian ambassador Femi Fani-Kayode disassociates from 'Senior Counsel of Nigeria' title conferred by Nigerian Law Society.
