Former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola, has been formally appointed a Bencher of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, following approval by the Body of Benchers, the apex institution responsible for the regulation of legal practice and discipline in the country.
His appointment, which took effect on March 31, 2026, places him among the most senior members of Nigeria’s legal profession. The Body of Benchers is made up of distinguished legal practitioners, including senior advocates, justices, and experienced members of the Bar and Bench who are entrusted with overseeing the call to Bar of new lawyers and maintaining professional standards.
Fashola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, has had a long-standing legal and public service career. Before his tenure as governor of Lagos State from 2007 to 2015, he built a strong reputation in legal practice. He later served as Minister of Works, Housing and Power under former President Muhammadu Buhari, further cementing his role in national development.
As a Bencher, Fashola will now participate in key responsibilities such as the formal admission of new lawyers into the Nigerian Bar, as well as contributing to disciplinary proceedings involving legal practitioners when necessary.
The appointment is widely regarded as a recognition of his contributions to both the legal profession and public service in Nigeria.
