Fani-Kayode Rejects Blue Silk Title, Says Staff Accepted It Without His Approval - Politics

Fani-Kayode Rejects Blue Silk Title, Says Staff Accepted It Without His Approval - Politics - Nairaland

Nairaland Forum › Nairaland General › Politics › Fani-Kayode Rejects Blue Silk Title, Says Staff Accepted It Without His Approval (12394 Views)

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Fani-Kayode Rejects Blue Silk Title, Says Staff Accepted It Without His Approval by Bobloco(op): 6:42am On Nov 07

Femi Fani-Kayode, Nigeria’s high commissioner to South Africa, has rejected the senior counsel of Nigeria (SCN) designation, popularly known as Blue Silk, conferred on him by the Nigerian Law Society (NLS).

The former minister of aviation said he neither authorised nor approved the acceptance of the title, describing the circumstances surrounding the development as an administrative misjudgement.

In a statement issued on Friday by Lizzy Okoji, his special assistant on media, Fani-Kayode said members of his staff represented him at the NLS event after his office received an invitation from the society.

“His Excellency wishes to categorically state that he did not personally authorise or approve the acceptance of the said designation and hereby formally disassociates himself from the purported conferment,” the statement reads.

“His Excellency’s representation at the event by members of his staff was undertaken in the course of official engagements after the invitation was sent to his office by the Society.

“The circumstances surrounding the representation and subsequent communication of acceptance were regrettable and arose from an unfortunate administrative misjudgement, without any intention whatsoever to misrepresent His Excellency’s personal position or professional convictions.”

Fani-Kayode also questioned the legal and professional implications of the title, particularly whether it conforms with the statutory framework regulating the legal profession and relevant court judgements.

“As a legal practitioner of over 41 years standing, His Excellency would be the last person to knowingly engage in any act that violates the law, undermines the integrity of the legal profession, or brings the profession into disrepute,” the statement added.

“He comes from a distinguished lineage of three generations of legal practitioners and remains deeply committed to upholding the law, professional ethics, and the established traditions of this noble and learned profession.

“His Excellency therefore unequivocally repudiates the purported conferment and reiterates that neither his representation at the event nor any communication made on his behalf should be interpreted as his personal endorsement or acceptance of the designation.

“This clarification is issued to place His Excellency’s position firmly on record, dispel any misconception arising from the incident, and reaffirm his commitment to the rule of law, professional ethics, and the dignity of the legal profession.”

Fani-Kayode’s rejection comes a day after the NLS announced him, Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, and three other lawyers as recipients of the SCN designation at its 2026 annual general conference in Abuja.

The other recipients were Olufunmilayo Osifuye, Ihudiebube Chukwumdi and Alabi Olalekan Adigun.

The conferment had generated controversy over the legal status of the Blue Silk designation. The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) has maintained that the senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN) remains the only professional rank recognised under Nigerian law.

In February, the committee warned lawyers against adopting the Blue Silk designation, arguing that it lacked statutory backing and could attract disciplinary consequences.

The controversy also followed a May 13 judgement by a federal high court in Abuja, which dismissed a suit seeking judicial recognition of the Blue Silk rank.

James Omotosho, the presiding judge, held that the LPPC has the statutory authority to confer the SAN rank.

However, the NLS and the Body of Senior Counsel of Nigeria (BOSCON) maintain that they have the autonomy to confer the SCN designation under their internal rules and regulations.

https://www.thecable.ng/fani-kayode-rejects-blue-silk-title-says-staff-accepted-it-without-his-approval/

3 Likes

Re: Fani-Kayode Rejects Blue Silk Title, Says Staff Accepted It Without His Approval by AMINDA: 6:58am On Nov 07

The legal professional and the entire judiciary in Nigeria needs massive reforms.

41 Likes

Re: Fani-Kayode Rejects Blue Silk Title, Says Staff Accepted It Without His Approval by creolehunt: 3:45pm On Nov 07

"His Excellency" na water.

24 Likes

Re: Fani-Kayode Rejects Blue Silk Title, Says Staff Accepted It Without His Approval by Switruth: 3:46pm On Nov 07

This one wants to key into the island of relevancy. What's our business with your approval or not. How e take reduce fuel price.

Mad people everywhere

25 Likes 1 Share

Re: Fani-Kayode Rejects Blue Silk Title, Says Staff Accepted It Without His Approval by emperor4love(m): 3:50pm On Nov 07

We are talking of important thing and see wetin the worry this guys,well I no blame them

11 Likes

Re: Fani-Kayode Rejects Blue Silk Title, Says Staff Accepted It Without His Approval by Sccarrr(m): 3:50pm On Nov 07

Okay na, noted...next please

1 Like

Re: Fani-Kayode Rejects Blue Silk Title, Says Staff Accepted It Without His Approval by NaijaCrusader: 3:54pm On Nov 07

Don't they know FFK ? You need to be triple sure before doing anything with the man,he is so volatile

4 Likes 1 Share

Re: Fani-Kayode Rejects Blue Silk Title, Says Staff Accepted It Without His Approval by ezigr8(m): 4:00pm On Nov 07

The Nigerian Bar Association is not left out of embarrassing situation in Nigeria. We really have a long way to go to make it right

4 Likes

Re: Fani-Kayode Rejects Blue Silk Title, Says Staff Accepted It Without His Approval by frog12: 4:00pm On Nov 07

Seyi na lawyer? cheesy

1 Like

Re: Fani-Kayode Rejects Blue Silk Title, Says Staff Accepted It Without His Approval by emmy512(m): 4:07pm On Nov 07

too much bureaucracy and blocking,

Re: Fani-Kayode Rejects Blue Silk Title, Says Staff Accepted It Without His Approval by TheChameleon: 4:14pm On Nov 07*

Send Bianca to deliver it.

" Ohhhh femi " grin

FFK needs to get Nobel Prize for Peace for converting her from APGA to APC. grin

The speed was alarming. She did 40 years in APGA and Femi in less than 4 months of Jujitsu, he changed her to APC. shocked

46 Likes

Re: Fani-Kayode Rejects Blue Silk Title, Says Staff Accepted It Without His Approval by hslbroker2(m): 4:15pm On Nov 07

Honestly, this whole controversy raises serious questions about professionalism and accountability. How can a prestigious title be announced on behalf of someone without first obtaining his personal approval? The Nigerian Law Society should have clarified his consent before making the announcement. Professional honours should bring respect to the legal profession, not unnecessary controversy. Our institutions must learn to do things properly..

3 Likes

Re: Fani-Kayode Rejects Blue Silk Title, Says Staff Accepted It Without His Approval by PigTormentor: 4:25pm On Nov 07

TheChameleon:
Send Bianca to deliver it.

" Ohhhh femi "

FFK needs to get Nobel Prize for Peace for converting her from APGA to APC.

You get bad mouth i swear grin

You also known that the IPOB crew used to worship FFk until he refused to support their Agulu packaged fraudster then he became an enemy just like Reno.
I still remember when they used to rate him as the best Yoruba man and best Yoruba candidate for President grin

.
The moment they see that he was supporting Tinubu, he became enemy number 3, Reno is enemy 1, Wike is number 2.
They used to worship all these 3 like demi gods until they refused to support Obi.

40 Likes 3 Shares

Re: Fani-Kayode Rejects Blue Silk Title, Says Staff Accepted It Without His Approval by ElevationD: 4:26pm On Nov 07

There is no way his staff would have picked up that award without first consulting him y phone, whether very busy in SA or not and getting his authorization. If such happened, he would have sacked such administrative staff without long stories.

Re: Fani-Kayode Rejects Blue Silk Title, Says Staff Accepted It Without His Approval by Antoeni(m): 4:35pm On Nov 07

If They Had Told Him That The Blue Silk Comes With Hot Plate Of Jollof Rice And Chicken, There is No Way He Wouldn't Have Rejected it, Long Throat FFK and Food

Re: Fani-Kayode Rejects Blue Silk Title, Says Staff Accepted It Without His Approval by olaadenigeria(m): 5:28pm On Nov 07

Tinubu is not a failure if you are comparing him with Obi. As governor Obi is not close to Tinubu, secondly, Obi has not be president and can never be because he has no rigid record, no strong leadership that has any die hard followership except emergency members mobility for vote. So Obi and Tinubu aren't mate bro

1 Like 1 Share

Re: Fani-Kayode Rejects Blue Silk Title, Says Staff Accepted It Without His Approval by Sagacity10(m): 5:41pm On Nov 07

emperor4love:
We are talking of important thing and see wetin the worry this guys,well I no blame them

Na the admin wey push this kind thrash to the front page cause am.

1 Like

Re: Fani-Kayode Rejects Blue Silk Title, Says Staff Accepted It Without His Approval by Dijita: 6:11pm On Nov 07

I don't know of the others that were conferred with the title. Giving it to FFK is quite understandable, Like or hate FFK you can not question his legal erudite. However, giving the title to Seyi Tinubu smell of chasing political relevancy. I am not under estimating Seyi's intelligence or capability but he is just a baby in his the legal profession. Is he even practicing law?

Re: Fani-Kayode Rejects Blue Silk Title, Says Staff Accepted It Without His Approval by Dpzeewonder: 6:13pm On Nov 07

How on earth is Fani Werepe or wetin be heen name is addressed as "His Excellency",group of numbskulls and neer'do-wells,he was never a Governor nor a Deputy so how come they addressed him as H.E?

Re: Fani-Kayode Rejects Blue Silk Title, Says Staff Accepted It Without His Approval by Tareq1105: 6:16pm On Nov 07

Switruth:
This one wants to key into the island of relevancy. What's our business with your approval or not. How e take reduce fuel price.

Mad people everywhere

I thought you were making mockery of him when he was stranded as an ambassador.

Re: Fani-Kayode Rejects Blue Silk Title, Says Staff Accepted It Without His Approval by Tareq1105: 6:20pm On Nov 07

Dpzeewonder:
How on earth is Fani Werepe or wetin be heen name is addressed as "His Excellency",group of numbskulls and neer'do-wells,he was never a Governor nor a Deputy so how come they addressed him as H.E?

A representative of the president in a foreign land is addressed as His Excellency. So, don't kill yourself over that bcoz there's nothing you can do about it. If any of your brothers in South Africa has issues, they must go to him and address him as His Excellency.

2 Likes 2 Shares

Re: Fani-Kayode Rejects Blue Silk Title, Says Staff Accepted It Without His Approval by DeltaBachelor(m): 6:34pm On Nov 07

lol. This FFK sef. You sure say …..,

Re: Fani-Kayode Rejects Blue Silk Title, Says Staff Accepted It Without His Approval by HugoBoss10(m): 8:06pm On Nov 07

creolehunt:
"His Excellency" na water.

You're too observant.
The number of His Excellency mentioned in that article are uncounrable cool

Re: Fani-Kayode Rejects Blue Silk Title, Says Staff Accepted It Without His Approval by Arthurnna: 8:22pm On Nov 07

Please I have but one question, who the Hell is this "His Excellency"?!!! The kind of things that trips this man is not of this world... Quoting Game of Thrones " Master of anywhere belle face and Lord of Stomach infrastructure"...

Bobloco:
https://www.thecable.ng/fani-kayode-rejects-blue-silk-title-says-staff-accepted-it-without-his-approval/

Re: Fani-Kayode Rejects Blue Silk Title, Says Staff Accepted It Without His Approval by Boo3nity(m): 9:04pm On Nov 07

Bobloco:
https://www.thecable.ng/fani-kayode-rejects-blue-silk-title-says-staff-accepted-it-without-his-approval/

The clown is scared that accepting the title will put him in the crosshairs of ever investigative journalists who will effortlessly tear through his academic records and expose the legal illegality for the chambers fraud he is.
Democracy is starting to win Nigeria.
Just a few more weeks to go...

Re: Fani-Kayode Rejects Blue Silk Title, Says Staff Accepted It Without His Approval by Switruth: 9:55pm On Nov 07

Tareq1105:
I thought you were making mockery of him when he was stranded as an ambassador.

who gives a hoot. He isn't important so far he can't prevent xenophobia..

Mad people everywhere

Re: Fani-Kayode Rejects Blue Silk Title, Says Staff Accepted It Without His Approval by DuttyChuks: 12:29am On Nov 08

His excellency! Fani Kayode na drama. Give him food. Is like the thing no come with brown envelope.

Re: Fani-Kayode Rejects Blue Silk Title, Says Staff Accepted It Without His Approval by Opaso55(m): 3:23am On Nov 08

Sometimes I wonder how you people reason. How can you proudly compare obi with someone whose identity is shrouded in mystery, whose character no one can be proud of? Politics aside.

olaadenigeria:
Tinubu is not a failure if you are comparing him with Obi. As governor Obi is not close to Tinubu, secondly, Obi has not be president and can never be because he has no rigid record, no strong leadership that has any die hard followership except emergency members mobility for vote. So Obi and Tinubu aren't mate bro

1 Reply

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