NIGERIA’S High Commissioner to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, has rejected the Denior Counsel of Nigeria (SCN) title, popularly known as Blue Silk, recently conferred on him by the Nigerian Law Society (NLS).
Fani-Kayode stated that he neither authorised nor approved the acceptance of the title, describing the circumstances surrounding the development as an administrative misjudgement.
The former minister of Aviation, in a statement issued on Friday, November 6, by his media aide, Lizzy Okoji, said members of his staff represented him at the NLS event after his office received an invitation from the society.
According to the statement: “His Excellency wishes to categorically state that he did not personally authorise or approve the acceptance of the said designation, and hereby formally disassociates himself from the purported conferment.
“His Excellency’s representation at the event by members of his staff was undertaken in the course of official engagements after the invitation was sent to his office by the Society.
“The circumstances surrounding the representation and subsequent communication of acceptance were regrettable and arose from an unfortunate administrative misjudgement, without any intention whatsoever to misrepresent His Excellency’s personal position or professional convictions.”
Fani-Kayode questioned the legal and professional implications of the title, particularly whether it conforms with the statutory framework regulating the legal profession and relevant court judgements.
The statement said: “As a legal practitioner of over 41 years standing, His Excellency would be the last person to knowingly engage in any act that violates the law, undermines the integrity of the legal profession, or brings the profession into disrepute.
“He comes from a distinguished lineage of three generations of legal practitioners and remains deeply committed to upholding the law, professional ethics, and the established traditions of this noble and learned profession.
“His Excellency, therefore, unequivocally repudiates the purported conferment, and reiterates that neither his representation at the event nor any communication made on his behalf should be interpreted as his personal endorsement or acceptance of the designation.
“This clarification is issued to place His Excellency’s position firmly on record, dispel any misconception arising from the incident, and reaffirm his commitment to the rule of law, professional ethics, and the dignity of the legal profession.”
Fani-Kayode’s rejection came a day after the NLS named him; son of President Bola Tinubu, Seyi; Olufunmilayo Osifuye; Ihudiebube Chukwumdi; and Alabi Olalekan Adigun, as recipients of the SCN title at its 2026 annual general conference in Abuja.
Recall that the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) had insisted that the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) remains the only professional rank recognised under Nigerian law.
The Cable reported that in February this year, LPPC warned Nigerian lawyers against adopting the Blue Silk title, because it lacked statutory backing and could attract disciplinary consequences.
This followed the May 13 Abuja Federal High Court judgment dismissing a suit seeking judicial recognition of the Blue Silk rank.
The presiding Judge, Justice James Omotosho, held that the LPPC had the statutory authority to confer the SAN rank.
The NLS and Body of Senior Counsel of Nigeria (BOSCON), however, insisted that they have the autonomy to confer the SCN designation under their internal rules and regulations.
This recent conferment adds to the controversy.
