Fani-Kayode distances himself from controversial NLS senior counsel rank

Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, has distanced himself from the Senior Counsel of Nigeria (SCN) designation conferred on him by the Nigerian Law Society (NLS), saying he neither authorised nor approved its acceptance.

Fani-Kayode, a former Minister of Aviation, described the development as an administrative error, explaining that members of his staff represented him at the society’s event following an invitation received by his office.

In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Assistant on Media, Lizzy Okoji, the diplomat said he did not personally endorse the conferment and had formally dissociated himself from the designation.

He explained that the communication subsequently issued to convey acceptance of the honour was made without his personal consent or intention to misrepresent his position.

Fani-Kayode also questioned the legal and professional implications of the title, particularly whether it aligns with existing laws governing the legal profession and relevant judicial decisions.

Emphasising his commitment to professional ethics, he noted that he had practised law for more than 41 years and would not knowingly participate in any action capable of undermining the integrity of the profession.

He further pointed to his family’s legal background, saying three generations of his family had been involved in the profession and that he remained committed to preserving its established standards.

The development comes barely a day after the NLS announced Fani-Kayode among five recipients of its Senior Counsel of Nigeria designation, popularly known as Blue Silk, at its 2026 Annual General Conference in Abuja.

Other recipients included Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, Olufunmilayo Osifuye, Ihudiebube Chukwumdi and Alabi Olalekan Adigun.

The Blue Silk designation has faced objections from the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee, which maintains that Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) remains the only professional rank statutorily recognised under Nigerian law.

In February, the committee cautioned lawyers against adopting or presenting themselves with the Blue Silk designation, arguing that it lacked statutory backing and could attract disciplinary consequences.

A Federal High Court in Abuja had also dismissed a suit seeking judicial recognition of the title, adding to the controversy surrounding the initiative.

Fani-Kayode’s decision to reject the designation has further drawn attention to the ongoing disagreement over the legal status and recognition of the NLS-created rank.