Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has urged the state’s two newly elevated Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) to remain steadfast in upholding the tenets of truth and integrity, describing their elevation as a source of pride for the Ijaw nation.
The Governor gave the charge on Monday at the reception ceremony held after the inauguration of 57 new SANs by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, at a special court session to mark the opening of the 2025/2026 legal year.
Governor Diri explained that the elevation of two Bayelsa indigenes, Preye Agedah, former Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Justice, and Fedude Zimughan, was a recognition of years of dedication, excellence, and unwavering commitment to the legal profession.
He noted that Mr. Agedah’s appointment as a Life Bencher, the first from kolokuma Opokuma lga to attain such a feat, further underscored the state’s growing impact on Nigeria’s legal landscape.
As, this was the first time since the creation of Bayelsa’s state, 29 years ago that two of its sons were at same time elevated to the prestigious legal rank.
Governor Diri expressed delight that the conferment brought to 11, the number of SANs from the state.
He stated that truth was an inseparable identity of the Ijaw people, adding that the new SANs must carry this value into their service to the nation.
“You have to be truthful, because the meaning of Ijaw is truth. Truth changes all things. Take on the truth with the knowledge you have gained over the years. We are proud of you,” the Governor said.
Diri further urged Bayelsans to support and uplift one another, stressing that collective effort was key to producing more trailblazers in different spheres of national life. He explained that with two SANs in 2025, the state has the potential to produce more in the coming years.
“This is a very historic day and event for our state. Wherever you find yourselves, project Bayelsa nobly as much can be achieved when we lift one another, we are very proud of you”
“This recognition is not just personal; it is for Bayelsa, for the Ijaw nation, and for Nigeria at large.” he noted.
Meanwhile speaking earlier to Nigerian Pilot at the Supreme Court shortly after his inauguration, Former Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary of the Bayelsa State Ministry of Justice, Preye Agedah described his elevation to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) as a historic milestone that signals a new era for the state’s legal community.
Agedah explained that the conferment of the prestigious title on two Bayelsans for the first time since the state’s creation was more than a personal achievement, it was a collective triumph.
He noted that the development was a clear demonstration of Bayelsa’s growing influence within Nigeria’s legal landscape and a testament to the enabling environment provided by the current administration.
“For the first time since Bayelsa was created, we have two members of the Bar being conferred the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria,” he stated.
Agedah further explained that the achievement marks the end of a long period when the state lacked representation at the highest level of the legal profession. “It was almost like a reproach, but today that reproach has been rolled away,” he said.
“We will make deliberate efforts to mentor young lawyers and ensure Bayelsa is adequately represented. The impact will be felt across the legal community and the wider society.” He added.
Also, National Financial Secretary of the PDP, Daniel Woyegikuro expressed deep gratitude to the Governor, noting that his administration had created an enabling environment for such achievements. He stated that the recognition marked a special day for Bayelsa and its people.
Daniel explained that the elevation of the two legal icons was proof of patience, hard work, and dedication. He urged young lawyers to remain committed, study diligently, and practice the law with integrity if they hoped to attain similar heights.
Present at the ceremony were the state Chief Judge, Justice Matilda Ayemieye, Senator Konbowei Benson (Bayelsa Central), and House of Representatives members – Dr. Fred Agbedi (Sagbama/Ekeremor federal constituency), Oforji Oboku (Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma), Marie Ebikake (Nembe/Brass) and Engr. Rodney Ambaiowei (Southern Ijaw)
Also present were Senator James Manager, who represented Delta South, a former Minister of Police Affairs and also Interior, Alaowei Broderick Bozimo, and his wife, Justice Roseline Bozimo, as well as the Bayelsa State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Biriyai Dambo SAN, and the chairman of Kolokuma/Opokuma local government area, Tariyei Leilei, among others.
The SAN title is the highest recognition for legal practitioners in Nigeria and is conferred annually on lawyers who have distinguished themselves in the profession.
