In a history‑making event at the Nigerian Law School on July 11, 2025, former Senator Dino Daniel Melaye was among 5,734 new advocates officially called to the Nigerian Bar, the largest single cohort in the institution’s history.
Dino Melaye, renowned for his outspoken activism and political career representing Kogi West in Nigeria’s Senate, now joins the ranks of certified legal practitioners. His induction into the legal profession is widely seen as a strategic expansion of his influence in activism and governance circles.
Before his time in the Senate, Melaye served in the House of Representatives for the Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu constituency. A vocal critic of both former President Muhammadu Buhari and current President Bola Tinubu, he has long stood for youth inclusion, anti-corruption reforms, and political accountability in Nigeria.
At the ceremony, former Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, delivered a stirring charge to the new lawyers: legal practice is a privilege demanding integrity, discipline, and selfless service. He reminded inductees that misconduct can swiftly strip away the honor of the profession.
Melaye’s transition into law is expected to deepen his advocacy efforts. Observers suggest that his legal credentials will buttress future political aspirations and amplify his voice in national debates.
Despite a failed bid for the 2023 Kogi State governorship, his call to the bar may signal a renewed platform for influence. Many now watch to see how he leverages this new title in shaping policy and activism.
Dino Melaye’s entry into the legal profession not only crowns a new chapter in his public life but also positions him at the intersection of law and politics. With over five thousand new lawyers entering the fold, Nigeria witnesses the largest fresh wave of legal minds yet and Melaye stands out as both symbolic and strategic.
