Olamide Ehinfun-Adekunle Becomes Nigeria’s Youngest Female SAN at 40

Nigeria’s legal profession marked a historic milestone on October 12, 2026, when Olamide Mojigbotoluwa Ehinfun-Adekunle was formally conferred with the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). At 40, she became the youngest woman ever elevated to the Inner Bar.

The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee approved her elevation on 23 July 2026 as part of a cohort of 68 new Senior Advocates (67 advocates and one academic). Chief Justice of Nigeria Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun administered the oath during the special Supreme Court session that opened the 2026/2027 legal year. Only four women were among the new SANs.

The rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, often called “taking silk,” is one of the highest distinctions in the Nigerian legal profession. It recognises exceptional skill, integrity, and contributions to advocacy or legal scholarship. While younger male lawyers have previously attained the rank, Olamide’s elevation at 40 sets a new benchmark for women and is widely viewed as an inspiration for female practitioners.

Her achievement adds to a period of notable female leadership across Nigeria’s legal institutions. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun serves as Chief Justice of Nigeria and Head of the Supreme Court. Justice Monica Bolna’an Dongban-Mensem is President of the Court of Appeal. Dr Olugbemisola Titilayo Odusote holds the position of Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, the first woman appointed to the role. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, is President of the Nigerian Bar Association, having been elected in July 2026.

Together with Olamide’s historic elevation, these roles underscore the expanding presence of women at the highest levels of the judiciary, legal education, the organised Bar and private practice.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​