Some Lagos-based lawyers have described the wig and gown as symbols of legal authority that should only be worn by persons formally called to the Nigerian Bar.
The lawyers said the legal regalia represents the status of a qualified legal practitioner and is closely tied to enrolment as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
They spoke in reaction to a recent warning by the Council of Legal Education against the use of wig and gown by law graduates who have not been called to the Bar.
The council had cautioned prospective lawyers against wearing the attire or presenting themselves as legal practitioners before formal qualification.
A Lagos-based lawyer and former police prosecutor, Dania Abdullahi, said the wig and gown should only be worn after a person has been called to the Bar and properly enrolled.
Abdullahi explained that wearing the attire before call to Bar was improper, although he said it might not necessarily amount to a criminal offence in every circumstance.
According to him, the act becomes more serious when a person who has not been enrolled wears the regalia to appear in court or presents himself as a practising lawyer.
He noted that non-lawyers may wear wigs in entertainment or comedy productions, but such use is different from appearing before a court or claiming legal authority.
Abdullahi added that professional discipline applies to persons who have already been admitted into the legal profession and later commit misconduct.
Also speaking, Adaobi Fortune, a member of the African Women Lawyers Association, described the practice as wrong and unethical.
She said the wig and gown are reserved strictly for qualified lawyers who have completed the required process and have been formally called to the Bar.
Fortune said wearing the attire before qualification could create a false impression and reflect impatience on the part of a prospective lawyer.
According to her, legal practice is guided by ethics, discipline and respect for procedure, and law graduates should wait until they are properly admitted.
Rights activist Anthony Makolo also warned that wearing legal regalia before call to Bar could breach provisions of the Legal Practitioners Act.
He said a person who wears the attire and presents himself as a lawyer without formal enrolment may be accused of impersonation.
Makolo added that such conduct could also raise issues under the Rules of Professional Conduct for legal practitioners.
He advised law graduates and prospective lawyers to avoid any action that may undermine the dignity of the profession.
Makolo warned that violating the rules could expose offenders to disciplinary consequences and may affect their chances of being called to the Bar.
The lawyers urged law graduates to respect the process of admission into the legal profession and avoid using symbols of legal practice before qualification.
