The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen has pegged the number of lawyers that could appear for a party in court at five, including the lead lawyer.
Onnoghen announced this shortly before the Supreme Court opened proceedings in the two appeals filed by former governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, Osagie Ize-Iyamu on Monday.
He said the directive was meant to curb the practice when about 100 lawyers, in most political cases, announce appearance for a party in court.
He gave example of such cases, saying the practice of bringing too many lawyers consumes space.
“There was a matter we had here and 106 lawyers appeared. The whole space was taken up and some lawyers had to stand and others sit on the floor,” the Chief Justice said.
“I have issued a directive, which should extend to other courts, that lawyers appearing in the Supreme Court, should not be more than five for each party, including the lead lawyers.
“This practice consumes space and it takes take time to announce appearance. Appearance in cases have to have utility value, such appearance has to serve a purpose. I have to repeat this directive today, because I believe it was not brought to the attention of the Bar.”
A former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Wole Olanipekun (SAN), who was in court for the Ize-Iyamu appeals, appealed to the CJN to allow 30 lawyers per party, a request another Justice of the apex court, Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour, rejected.
