Three Igbinedion University Law Alumni Sworn In as Senior Advocates of Nigeria

Three law graduates of Igbinedion University, Okada, have been elevated to the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), one of the highest distinctions in the Nigerian legal profession.

Prince Adebiyi Adefosoye, SAN; Afeez Adebayo, SAN; and Adetunji Adedoyin Adeniyi, SAN, were among the legal practitioners sworn in during a special session of the Supreme Court in Abuja on October 12, 2026. The ceremony marked the commencement of the 2026/2027 legal year.

Established in 1999 as Nigeria’s first private university, Igbinedion University, Okada, was founded by its Founder and Chancellor, His Excellency, Sir Chief Dr Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin Kingdom. Through its Oba Erediauwa College of Law, the institution has consistently emphasised rigorous legal education and professional training.

The elevation of the three alumni to the SAN rank further highlights the university’s contribution to developing highly qualified legal practitioners in Nigeria.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Lawrence Ikechukwu Ezemonye, PhD, FAS, who was represented at the ceremony by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Professor O.G. Izevbuwa, congratulated the newly elevated Senior Advocates.

He described their achievement as a source of pride for the university community and an affirmation of its commitment to academic excellence, integrity and professional competence.

Professor Ezemonye also acknowledged the vision of the university’s Founder in creating opportunities for Nigerians to excel. He urged the newly elevated SANs to serve as mentors to younger legal practitioners while upholding the highest standards of justice and the rule of law.

The university described the achievement of Adefosoye, Adebayo and Adeniyi as both a personal milestone for the three legal practitioners and a significant contribution to its broader commitment to national development through quality legal education.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Professor O.G. Izevbuwa, was accompanied to the ceremony by the Dean of the College of Law, Professor Nat Ofo, and the Director of the Centre for Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer (IPTTO), who is also a former Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Charity Emaviwe.