Federal Republic of NigeriaEstablished by the Legal Practitioners Act, 1962
Body of Benchers
The legal body of practitioners of the highest distinction in the legal profession, responsible for the formal call to the Bar and for the discipline of erring lawyers.
Go forth in your new wigs to serve Nigeria and serve humanity in justice, without fear or favour, affection or ill will.
Body of Benchers
The Body of Benchers is the legal body of practitioners of the highest distinction in the legal profession, which is responsible for the formal call to the Bar of persons seeking to become legal practitioners as well as disciplining of erring lawyers.
After Nigeria’s independence the Unsworth Commission of Legal Education was constituted by the then Prime Minister Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. The major recommendation was then henceforth all Lawyers should attend a mandatory course at the Nigeria Law School as a pre-condition for enrolment at the Supreme Court.
Learn more about the Body · Read the Chairman’s profile
Mission
To uphold the integrity and excellence of the legal profession by administering fair and rigorous assessments for the formal call to the Bar, nurturing ethical conduct, and fostering continuous professional development. We are dedicated to safeguarding the principles of justice and ensuring accountability within the legal community.
Vision
To be the beacon of legal professionalism, setting the standard for legal education, qualification, and conduct worldwide. Through our commitment to excellence, integrity, and justice, we aim to inspire trust in the legal profession and contribute to a just and equitable society.
Functions of the Body of Benchers
Here are some of our core functions.
Call to Bar
One of the vital functions of the Body of Benchers is the formal Call to the Bar of persons desirous of becoming Legal Practitioners.
Discipline of erring Lawyers
Another vital function of the Body of Benchers is the discipline of erring lawyers in Nigeria.
Regulating the legal profession
The Body of Benchers makes certain regulations towards upholding the core values of the legal profession.
Called to the Nigerian Bar
Here are the numbers of Candidates Called to the Bar.
Figures as published by the Body of Benchers for each year’s Call to Bar ceremonies.
Coming up
- 24Nov 2026
Meeting of the Body of Benchers to Receive Screening Committee Report
Meeting - 25Nov 2026
Call to Bar Ceremony — Day 1
Ceremony - 26Nov 2026
Call to Bar Ceremony — Day 2
Ceremony - 4Dec 2026
Body of Benchers Dinner / Gala Night
Dinner
Past Chairmen of the Body of Benchers
The most recent Chairmen of the Body. The full roll runs from Hon. Justice Adetokunbo Ademola, the pioneer Chairman, in 1971.
Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON2025 – 2026
Chief A.S. Awomolo, SAN2024 – 2025
Hon. Justice Mary U. Peter-Odili, CFR2023 – 2024
Chief Wole Olanipekun, CFR, SAN2022 – 2023
Hon. Justice Olabode Rhodes-Vivour, CFR2021 – 2022
Mr. O.C.J. Okocha, OFR, SAN2020 – 2021
Hon. Justice Dr. I.T. Muhammad, GCON2019 – 2020
Alh. Bashir M. Dalhatu2018 – 2019
Hon. Justice W.S.N. Onnoghen, GCON2017 – 2018
Chief Bandele A. Aiku, SAN2016 – 2017
Hon. Justice Mahmud Mohammed, GCON2015 – 2016
Chief T.J.O. Okpoko, OON, SAN2014 – 2015Committees of the Body of Benchers
The Body of Benchers has both Standing and Adhoc Committees which are usually constituted from time to time.
- Elders Committee
- Judiciary Advisory Committee
- Ethics, Compliance and Internal Disciplinary Committee
- Recruitment, Promotion and Disciplinary Committee
- Finance and Budget Committee
- Mentoring Committee
- Information Technology and Publications Committee
- Benchers Appointment Committee
- Screening Committee
- Special Duties/Historical and Archives Committee
- Projects and Infrastructure Development Committee
- Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee
- Benchers Law Report – Editorial Board
- BOB Complex Management Committee
- Security and Safety Committee
- Rules and Regulations Committee
- Welfare, Events and Bencher’s Programmes Committee
Mentoring Programme
The Body of Benchers runs a mentoring programme for young lawyers (0–7 years at the Bar), developed by its Mentoring Committee.
Gallery
Scenes from the July 2026 Call to Bar ceremony at the Body of Benchers Complex, Abuja.