Ambassador Femi Fani-Kayode, Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, has formally disowned the purported conferment of the Senior Counsel of Nigeria (SCN) designation, commonly known as “Blue Silk,” by the Nigerian Law Society (NLS). In a statement released on Friday, November 6, 2026, the former Minister of Aviation stated that he neither authorized nor approved the acceptance of the title, clarifying that his personal position was misrepresented during the event.
The clarification, signed by Lizzy Okoji, Special Assistant on Media to the High Commissioner, explained that members of Fani-Kayode’s staff represented him at the ceremony after the Society sent an invitation to his office while he was engaged in official duties. The statement described the subsequent communication indicating acceptance of the designation as an “administrative error” and an “unfortunate administrative misjudgment,” emphasizing that there was no intention to misrepresent the Ambassador’s personal position or professional convictions.
Fani-Kayode further questioned the legal and professional basis for the conferment, citing Nigeria’s statutory framework governing the legal profession and judicial pronouncements regarding the award of professional ranks outside the established legal structure. He stressed that the matter raised serious concerns and reaffirmed his commitment to respecting the law and established professional standards.
“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 said.
The former minister also highlighted his family background, noting that he comes from three generations of legal practitioners. He insisted that his staff’s attendance at the event and any communications made on his behalf should not be interpreted as his personal endorsement or acceptance of the title.
The statement concluded by stating that the clarification was issued to put his position on record, dispel misconceptions surrounding the incident, and reaffirm Fani-Kayode’s commitment to the rule of law, professional ethics, and the dignity of the legal profession.
<small>Source: The Sun Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
