Foremost constitutional lawyer and human rights crusader, Professor Mike Ozekhome, has been relieved of the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN.
Ozekhome, a professor of law, was suspended from the SAN rank by the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) at its 173rd General Meeting.
A statement by the LPPC, signed by its Secretary, Mr. Kabiru Eniola Akanbi, explained that the action was taken against Ozekhome pursuant to Paragraph 26(6) of the Guidelines for the Conferment of the SAN Rank and matters pertaining to the rank.
Akanbi, who also doubles as the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, further stated that the action is pending the final determination of the disciplinary proceedings presently before the Disciplinary and Ethics Sub-Committee of the LPPC.
According to the statement, the suspension of Ozekhome is intended to safeguard the integrity, dignity and prestige of the SAN rank.
The LPPC has therefore barred Ozekhome from parading himself as, or otherwise holding himself out to be, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria pending the final determination of the disciplinary proceedings.
According to the statement, “The LPPC remains committed to upholding the highest standards of professional ethics, integrity and discipline within the legal profession and to ensuring that the rank of SAN continues to command public confidence and respect.”
