By Adenike Lawal
The Body of Benchers has elevated Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, and 13 other distinguished legal professionals to the prestigious rank of life benchers.
The announcement was made during a meeting held on Thursday at the Body’s headquarters in Abuja, chaired by Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN.
Among the new appointees are Prof. Isa Chiroma, Director General of the Nigerian Law School; Justice Sidi Bage, Emir of Lafia; retired Supreme Court Justice Ejembi Eko; and Prof. Joy Ngozi Ezeilo, SAN, a former UN Special Rapporteur on Trafficking in Persons.
This brings the total number of life benchers in Nigeria to 170, with the next appointments slated for five years from now.
The elevation recognizes the appointees’ exceptional contributions to Nigeria’s legal profession.
Senator Bamidele, Chair of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters, has spearheaded reforms to enhance judicial officers’ welfare, including increasing their retirement age from 65 to 70.
Bamidele, a legal professional since 1992, holds degrees from Obafemi Awolowo University, the University of Benin, and a Master of Laws in Intellectual Property Law from Franklin Pierce School of Law, University of New Hampshire.
He has also served in various public service roles under Governors Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Babatunde Raji Fashola.
The announcement has sparked a wave of congratulatory messages from across the legal community.
