Aniefiok Christopher
Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has felicitated Mr. Godwin Umoh, a retired lecturer from the University of Uyo on his elevation to the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
This follows the approval of the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) and his formal swearing-in at the Supreme Court being part of activities marking the opening of the 2026/2027 Legal Year of the apex Court.
In a message of congratulations by his Chief Press Secretary, Ekerete Udoh, Governor Eno described the honour as a well-deserved recognition of his years of dedication and contributions to the advancement of the legal profession in Nigeria.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Akwa Ibom State, I congratulate you on this remarkable milestone in your legal career.
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“Your elevation to the Inner Bar is a testament to your years of dedication, hard work and commitment to the legal profession.
“I particularly thank you for being a strong supporter of our ARISE Agenda and for being part of the Akwa Ibom exceptionalism narrative, where our sons and daughters continue to distinguish themselves in their respective fields of endeavour.
“As you attain this prestigious rank, I wish you greater accomplishments and continued success in your legal career.
“Congratulations once again!”
Umoh, who is the 15th Senior Advocate of Nigeria from Akwa Ibom studied Law at the University of Calabar, where he obtained his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B, before proceeding to the Nigerian Law School, Lagos, where he earned his Barrister-at-Law (B.L.) and was called to the Nigerian Bar on 22nd August, 1985.
Born in Nung Udoe Itak, Ikono Local Government Area, Umoh, who is one of the longstanding lawyers in Akwa Ibom and the neighbouring Cross River State, obtained a Master of Laws (LL.M) from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 1994.
He had served as a member of Local Government Election Petition Tribunal in Akwa Ibom State.
Over the course of his career, he has handled over 150 cases across the Federal High Courts, election petition tribunals, Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.
From 2015 to 2020, when he served as State Legal Adviser of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Umoh handled more than 60 pre-election and election-related cases, with his professional engagement extending to pro bono legal services for indigent clients.
Umoh has also played an active role in the institutional life of the Nigerian Bar Association,(NBA), serving as Publicity Secretary, Secretary and Chairman of Uyo Branch and on NBA’s National Executive Committee (NEC) for more than ten years.
One notable aspect of his professional leadership is his contribution to the establishment of NBA branches in Eket and Ikot Ekpene.
Goddy Umoh
He has also been involved in NBA’s Section on Public Interest and Development Law (SPIDEL), and served as Chairman, Local Organising Committee for NBA’s national conference held in Uyo in December 2025.
CJN Advocates Financial autonomy
Earlier in the day, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, had sworn in 68 legal practitioners as Senior Advocates of Nigeria, and urged the new silk recipients to uphold professional integrity and remember that the prestigious rank does not place them above accountability.
The new Senior Advocates comprise 67 advocates and one academic.
Addressing the recipients, the CJN described the rank as not merely a recognition of professional success but a call to leadership, urging them to demonstrate humility, dignity and a strong commitment to ethical conduct.
She said the elevation should inspire the recipients to become role models for younger members of the profession, stressing that professional excellence must go hand in hand with integrity.
Justice Kekere-Ekun also cautioned that the disciplinary action taken against senior members of the legal profession during the preceding Legal Year should serve as a reminder that no professional rank is a substitute for ethical conduct.
The 68 recipients were approved by the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee at its 174th plenary session held in Abuja on July 23, 2026, under the chairmanship of the CJN.
The committee had also directed successful applicants to complete a mandatory pre-swearing-in induction programme and warned against advertisements, congratulatory messages or goodwill notices relating to their nomination or conferment, in line with the applicable professional guidelines and rules of conduct.
The new Senior Advocates are expected to uphold the standards associated with the rank and contribute to strengthening the legal profession and the administration of justice in Nigeria.
The 67 advocates, listed according to their seniority at the Bar, are: Ibrahim Gamdeh Adamu, Jude Chukwuemeka Okafor, Godwill Achibong Umoh, Sunday Samuel Obende, Adebayo Olugbenga Adaralegbe, Jimson Ejovi Okodaso, Olalekan Lawrence Bade-John, Olaotan Thomas Olusegun, Philemeon Audu Daffi, Adenrele David Adegborioye, James Eromosele Agbonhese, Alexander Nduka Muoka, Onome Okodiya, and Emmanuel Akunke Akomaye.
Also included are Ikhide Ehighelua, Mas’ud Mobolaji Alabelewe, Ogunmuyiwa Olayinka Balogun, Anthony Auditz Iroagalachi, Mohammed Tajudeen Mohammed, Odion Peter Odia, Gbemiga Adaramola, Moses Okoh Onyilokwu, Charles Azubuike Obodozie, Hakeem Obafemi Agaba, Bimbo Felix Atilola, Okechukwu Steve Emelieze, Joshua Demilade Olaniyan, Igonikon Abiola Adekunle, Christian Nnadozie Nwokorie, Sadiku Momoh Ilegieuno, Sarafa Kolawole Idowu, Olujoke Enitan Aliu, Oliver Onyenucheya Amuzie, and Adebisi Emmanuel Adeniyi.
The list includes Faruk Abdullah, Sagir Gezawa Suleiman, Ifeanyi Godwin Ezeuko, Adebayo Folorunsho Ologe, Sabiu Gumba Adamu, Eric Keme-Egolukumor Omare, Soibi Ideriah Ovia, Somina Peter Johnbull, Chinedum Ikenna Umeche, Emmanuel Eghiegba Ekhasemomhe, Mohammed El-Hassan Sheriff, Junaidu Bello Marshall, Olawale Sunday Fapohunda, Adebiyi Alaba Adetoboye, Senior Sulyman Ibrahim, Agba Eimunjeze, Ayobamidele Oyekunle Akande, Adetunji Taiwo Adedoyin Adeniyi and Olamide Moigbotoluwa Adekunle.
Others are Umaru Yunusa, Akorede Habeeb Lawal, Darlington Nnabuike Ozurumba, Nnaemeka Francis Patrick Egonu, Kayode Orire Omosehin, Mitchel Akinrinsola Aribisala, Bolu Agbaje Akadri, Oluwaseun Asimiyu Alao, Olugbenga Olusanya Ajala, Mustapha Olayinka Ajenifuja, Afees Hassan Adebayo, Mohammed Abiodun Adelodun, Jonathan Akintola Makinde, Olajide Salami, Professor Nnamdi Onyeka Obiaraeri.
The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) approved in July 2026 the elevation of 68 legal practitioners to the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
The decision was taken at the committee’s 174th Plenary Session held on Thursday, July 23, 2026, under the chairmanship of the CJN.
