Femi Fani-Kayode, Nigeria’s high commissioner to South Africa, has rejected the senior counsel of Nigeria (SCN) designation, popularly known as Blue Silk, conferred on him by the Nigerian Law Society (NLS).
The former minister of aviation said he neither authorised nor approved the acceptance of the title, describing the circumstances surrounding the development as an administrative misjudgement.
In a statement issued on Friday by Lizzy Okoji, his special assistant on media, Fani-Kayode said members of his staff represented him at the NLS event after his office received an invitation from the society.
“His Excellency wishes to categorically state that he did not personally authorise or approve the acceptance of the said designation and hereby formally disassociates himself from the purported conferment,” the statement reads.
“His Excellency’s representation at the event by members of his staff was undertaken in the course of official engagements after the invitation was sent to his office by the Society.
“The circumstances surrounding the representation and subsequent communication of acceptance were regrettable and arose from an unfortunate administrative misjudgement, without any intention whatsoever to misrepresent His Excellency’s personal position or professional convictions.”
Fani-Kayode also questioned the legal and professional implications of the title, particularly whether it conforms with the statutory framework regulating the legal profession and relevant court judgements.
“As a legal practitioner of over 41 years standing, His Excellency would be the last person to knowingly engage in any act that violates the law, undermines the integrity of the legal profession, or brings the profession into disrepute,” the statement added.
“He comes from a distinguished lineage of three generations of legal practitioners and remains deeply committed to upholding the law, professional ethics, and the established traditions of this noble and learned profession.
“His Excellency therefore unequivocally repudiates the purported conferment and reiterates that neither his representation at the event nor any communication made on his behalf should be interpreted as his personal endorsement or acceptance of the designation.
“This clarification is issued to place His Excellency’s position firmly on record, dispel any misconception arising from the incident, and reaffirm his commitment to the rule of law, professional ethics, and the dignity of the legal profession.”
BACK STORY
Fani-Kayode’s rejection comes a day after the NLS announced him, Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, and three other lawyers as recipients of the SCN designation at its 2026 annual general conference in Abuja.
The other recipients were Olufunmilayo Osifuye, Ihudiebube Chukwumdi and Alabi Olalekan Adigun.
The conferment had generated controversy over the legal status of the Blue Silk designation. The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) has maintained that the senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN) remains the only professional rank recognised under Nigerian law.
In February, the committee warned lawyers against adopting the Blue Silk designation, arguing that it lacked statutory backing and could attract disciplinary consequences.
The controversy also followed a May 13 judgement by a federal high court in Abuja, which dismissed a suit seeking judicial recognition of the Blue Silk rank.
James Omotosho, the presiding judge, held that the LPPC has the statutory authority to confer the SAN rank.
However, the NLS and the Body of Senior Counsel of Nigeria (BOSCON) maintain that they have the autonomy to confer the SCN designation under their internal rules and regulations.
