On Thursday, the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) issued a stern warning to lawyers about the use of the title "Blue Silk", clarifying that this term does not hold official recognition in the Nigerian legal system.
As the designated body responsible for granting the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), the LPPC affirmed that this title is the pinnacle of professional achievement for legal professionals in Nigeria. It is conferred based strictly on the provisions outlined in the Legal Practitioners Act and relevant guidelines.
The SAN title is a highly sought-after honor given to those lawyers who have demonstrated exceptional skill in legal practice and advocacy. It is considered a privilege, signifying exceptional status within the profession, and the LPPC retains the power to revoke this rank in cases of proven misconduct.
The LPPC's statement stressed, "For the avoidance of doubt, the LPPC does not recognize any parallel, intermediate, or alternative title dubbed 'Blue Silk' or any other name suggesting official standing, hierarchy, or acknowledgment within the legal sector,” as stated by LPPC Secretary Kabir Akanbi, who is also the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
The committee, presided over by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, advised members of the legal community and the public to disregard individuals claiming the 'Blue Silk' designation.
During a meeting held on Thursday, the LPPC vowed to implement necessary legal measures to protect the profession and safeguard the integrity of the SAN title.
Furthermore, the LPPC emphasized that the Legal Practitioners Act does not acknowledge the 'Blue Silk' rank, deeming such use unlawful and in violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners 2023.
The LPPC reiterated its commitment to maintaining the dignity, prestige, and exclusivity of the SAN title and will continue to operate strictly within legal parameters.
In November 2025, concerns arose from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) regarding Tonye Jaja's promotion of a 'privileged rank' referred to as 'Blue Silk'. The NBA declared that such attempts violate regulatory standards and misrepresent official structures. They noted that only the LPPC is authorized to grant the SAN designation under Nigerian law.
The NBA explicitly stated, "No individual or collective entity has the right to create, announce, or endorse any alternative title that mimics or parodies the Senior Advocates of Nigeria designation as recognized by the Legal Practitioners Act."
Similarly, the Nigerian Law Society (NLS) issued a disclaimer in December 2025 distancing itself from Mr. Jaja's actions, reiterating that they do not recognize the 'Blue Silk' designation and his claimed formation of a New Nigerian Law Society.
The NLS highlighted that Tonye Clinton Jaja has a history of establishing unauthorized parallel associations, specifically citing his private NGO ALDRAP, which has been linked to awarding the status of Blue Silk to lawyers. The organization condemned his actions as illegal and rescinded his NLS membership.
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