Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, has disassociated himself from the purported conferment of Senior Counsel of Nigeria (SCN) designation on him.
Fani-Kayode said he neither personally authorised nor approved the acceptance of the designation, also known as Blue Silk, by the Nigerian Law Society (NLS).
This is contained in a statement issued on Friday by his Special Assistant on Media, Ms Lizzy Okoji.
He explained that members of his staff represented him at the event following an invitation sent to his office during his official engagements.
According to him, the circumstances surrounding the representation and subsequent communication of acceptance were regrettable.
He attributed the incident to an administrative misjudgement, stressing that there was no intention to misrepresent his personal position or professional convictions.
The former Minister of Aviation also expressed concerns over the legal and professional implications of the purported conferment.
He said his concerns were informed by the statutory framework regulating Nigeria’s legal profession and relevant judicial pronouncements.
Fani-Kayode stressed that he regarded the issues with utmost seriousness and respect for the rule of law.
He said he would not knowingly engage in any act capable of violating the law or undermining the integrity of the legal profession.
He also maintained that he would not participate in anything capable of bringing the legal profession into disrepute.
The diplomat highlighted his family’s longstanding involvement in the legal profession, noting that three generations of his family had practised law.
He reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the law, professional ethics and established traditions of the legal profession.
Describing himself as a legal practitioner of more than 41 years, Fani-Kayode reiterated that his representation at the event did not constitute personal acceptance.
He said neither his attendance through representatives nor any communication made on his behalf should be interpreted as his endorsement of the designation.
According to him, the clarification was intended to formally establish his position and dispel misconceptions arising from the incident.
He further reaffirmed his commitment to the rule of law and the dignity of Nigeria’s legal profession.
