A traditional ruler in Delta State, Dr Albert Akpomudje SAN has emerged the 54th Chairman of the Body of Benchers. He is the first monarch in history to head the apex body of the legal profession. He succeeds Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, a former Chief Justice of Nigeria, who was appointed in March 2025. He is the first traditional ruler to head the august body as Chairman.
The Chairman of the Body holds office for only one year. It is rotated between Practicing lawyers and Judges who rotate alternatively.
Akpomudje is the Eyabwien Alaska 1, Ohworode of the ancient Olomu Kingdom in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State. He is the founding Partner, Albert Akpomudje Partners and has been in practice for over 44 years. He served as the Managing Partner of the firm between 1995 and 2025 when he emerged as the king of his native community.
The Body of Benchers (BoB) is the highest regulatory body for the legal profession in Nigeria, established under the Legal Practitioners Act. It is responsible for formally calling law school graduates to the Nigerian Bar, regulating the profession, and disciplining erring lawyers. The body is located in Abuja.
Key Functions and Composition:
Call to the Bar:
Conducts the Call to Bar ceremony, including screening, awarding successful candidates, and issuing certificates of call.
Regulation & Discipline: Regulates the legal profession, sets standards, and handles cases of professional misconduct.
Membership: Comprises highly distinguished legal practitioners, including the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Supreme Court Justices, President of the Court of Appeal, Attorney General of the Federation, State Attorneys General, Chief Judges, and representatives from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
Membership Levels: Members are known as Benchers, with a prestigious “Life Bencher” category for members with long-term contributions.
Key Roles & Activities:
Mentorship: Acts as a vital institution for professional ethics and leadership development, especially for new lawyers.
Disciplinary Action: It has the authority to sanction lawyers for misconduct, with a Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee that reviews cases.
Collaboration: Works closely with the NBA and the Attorney General to strengthen ethics and reform professional standards.
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