The Body of Benchers in Nigeria has named 15 distinguished legal practitioners, including Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and human rights lawyer Mike Ozekhome, as life members.
The confirmation took place on January 23, 2025, at the body’s headquarters in Abuja.
Others confirmed include Nigerian Law School Director General Prof. Isa Chiroma, Emir of Lafia Justice Sidi Bage, retired Supreme Court Justice Ejembi Eko, and former UN Special Rapporteur Prof. Joy Ngozi Ezeilo.
This brings the total number of life benchers to 170, a limit set for the next five years.
Life membership in the Body of Benchers is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to Nigeria’s legal profession.
Bamidele, first appointed as a Bencher in 2019, has played a key role in reforms within the judiciary, including raising the retirement age of judicial officers from 65 to 70.
A seasoned public servant, Bamidele has held various roles, including serving as a commissioner in Lagos State and chairing legislative committees.
His academic background spans t get eehe University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), University of Benin, and the Franklin Pierce School of Law in the United States.
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