Former Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, has advised newly elevated Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Dr Darlington Nnabuike Ozurumba, to avoid representing politicians who lose elections but subsequently seek to secure political offices through litigation.
Okorocha gave the advice on Monday in Abuja during a reception organised to celebrate Ozurumba’s elevation to the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, one of the highest professional honours in the country’s legal profession.
The former governor urged the legal practitioner to uphold the integrity of the judiciary and remain guided by professional ethics rather than financial inducements when handling election-related disputes.
“Never defends those who fail election no matter what they give. Those who did not win but found themselves in power have destroyed everything,” the former governor said.
His remarks formed part of the goodwill messages delivered at the gathering, which attracted prominent political leaders, senior lawyers, judicial officers, traditional rulers, business executives, family members and associates of the new SAN.
The Southern Nigeria Christian Political Forum (SNCPF) was among the organisations that participated in the celebration, with its leadership and officials congratulating Ozurumba on the professional milestone.
The National President and Founder of the forum, Hon. Abulu Luke Anthony, who led a delegation of SNCPF officials to the reception in honour of the legal practitioner, congratulated Ozurumba on the recognition, urging him to sustain the dedication, diligence and professionalism that earned him the prestigious title.
He expressed confidence that the elevation would further enhance the new SAN’s capacity to contribute to the advancement of the legal profession and national development.
Speaking at the event, Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe, a former Senate Minority Leader and chairman of the occasion, commended Ozurumba for attaining the distinguished rank, noting that the achievement was particularly remarkable given his relatively young age.
Abaribe described Ozurumba, who hails from Isiala-Ngwa in Abia State, as a source of pride to his state and community.
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, also congratulated the new SAN, describing him as a shining light with significant contributions to make towards Nigeria’s development.
Other prominent personalities at the reception included former Minister of Information, Professor Jerry Gana; former Anambra State governor, Senator Chris Ngige, renowned legal practitioner, Paul Ananaba, SAN; former Imo State governorship candidate, Uche Nwosu; and Senator Nkechi Nwogu.
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, was represented by the state’s Attorney-General.
The gathering also attracted judicial officers, including three judges of the Federal High Court, a Justice of the Court of Appeal and the Chief Judge of Abia State.
Members of the legal profession, traditional rulers, business leaders, family members and friends of Ozurumba were also present to celebrate his elevation.
Born in January 1983, Ozurumba hails from Isiala-Ngwa in Abia State and graduated from Abia State University in 2008.
His elevation to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria represents a significant milestone in his legal career, placing him among practitioners recognised for distinction and outstanding contributions to the profession.
Ozurumba was among 68 legal practitioners approved for elevation by the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) at its 174th plenary session held on July 23, 2026.
The successful candidates were subsequently sworn in by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, on October 12, 2026.
The SAN designation is one of the highest professional honours available to legal practitioners in Nigeria. It is conferred on lawyers who demonstrate exceptional ability and distinction in legal practice, particularly advocacy, or make significant contributions to legal scholarship.
