Bamidele, Ozekhome, And 13 Others Confirmed As Life Benchers
The Body of Benchers, chaired by Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, has officially confirmed Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, renowned human rights lawyer Chief Mike Ozekhome, and 13 other distinguished legal professionals as life members of the prestigious body.
The announcement was made on Thursday, January 23, 2025, during the Body of Benchers’ meeting at its headquarters in Abuja.
According to a statement from the Directorate of Media and Public Affairs, Office of the Senate Leader, the list of newly confirmed life benchers includes:
- Prof. Isa Chiroma, Director General of the Nigerian Law School
- Justice Sidi Bage, Emir of Lafia
- Retired Supreme Court Justice Ejembi Eko
- Prof. Joy Ngozi Ezeilo, former United Nations Special Rapporteur on Trafficking in Persons in Africa
With the inclusion of these eminent figures, the total number of life benchers in Nigeria now stands at 170, the maximum limit for the next five years before new admissions can be made.
This elevation recognises the remarkable contributions of these individuals to the legal profession, particularly in upholding its integrity and fostering excellence.
Senator Bamidele, a former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters, was first appointed as a Bencher in November 2019. His tenure saw notable reforms, including:
- Improved welfare and working conditions for judicial officers
- Increased budgetary allocations to the judiciary
- Passage of the bill raising the retirement age for judicial officers from 65 to 70
Called to the Nigerian Bar in 1992, Bamidele has maintained active membership in prestigious legal organizations, including the Nigerian Bar Association, American Bar Association, and International Bar Association. He is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and other professional bodies.
His public service record includes roles as Commissioner for Youth, Sports, and Social Development under Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commissioner for Information and Strategy under Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, and Chairman of the House Committee on Legislative Research and Budget in the Seventh National Assembly.
Bamidele holds degrees from:
- University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), Bachelor of Arts (1986)
- University of Benin, Bachelor of Laws (1990)
- Franklin Pierce School of Law, University of New Hampshire, Master of Laws in Intellectual Property Law
The confirmation of these new life benchers highlights the Body of Benchers’ commitment to recognising excellence and advancing the legal profession in Nigeria. This milestone underscores the importance of leadership and service in shaping the future of the judiciary.
