‘Serve without fear or favour’ — ex-CJN Ariwoola tells 4,437 new lawyers at call to bar ceremony

Olukayode Ariwoola, former chief justice of Nigeria (CJN), has urged newly inducted lawyers to uphold the highest standards of ethics and discipline, warning that misconduct will not be tolerated in the legal profession.

Ariwoola, who chairs the Body of Benchers, spoke in Abuja on Thursday at the 2025 call to bar ceremony.

The former CJN reminded the “new wigs” that their admission into the profession was both a privilege and a lifelong responsibility to serve with integrity.

“You must go forth in your new wigs from this day forward to serve Nigeria and humanity in justice, without fear or favour, affection or ill will,” he said.

“The practice of law is a privilege, not a right. You must be honest, diligent and devoted to justice at all times. Any act of indiscipline or professional misconduct will not be condoned.”

He noted that the nobility of the legal profession depends on lawyers maintaining public trust.

“Our noble profession is built on honour. It is your duty to preserve it. Do not undermine the confidence reposed in you by the public,” Ariwoola added.

This year’s call to bar ceremony spanned three days—Tuesday through Thursday—with 4,437 lawyers admitted. Of the total, 4,429 were successful in the June 2025 bar final examinations, while eight were from previous sessions.

According to the Nigerian Law School, 72 candidates graduated with first-class honours, 608 with second-class upper, 2,098 with second-class lower, and 1,651 with pass grades.

Isa Chiroma, the director-general of the Law School, said the institution remains committed to grooming lawyers of character and competence.

“Together with our staff, we have closely monitored these aspirants. I attest that they are men and women of learning and character and are fit and proper to be admitted to the Nigerian Bar,” Ciroma said.