A former member of the Nigerian Senate, Dino Melaye, has been called to the Nigerian Bar, making him a duly certified advocate of the Nigerian Supreme Court.

He was among the 5,734 presented for Call to Bar in Abuja on Wednesday — a figure said to be the highest in the history of the Law School.

Melaye, who graduated from Baze University, Abuja, first represented the people of Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency of Kogi State in the House of Representatives before his election to represent Kogi West in the Senate.

Sometimes seen as a controversial character, Melaye is popular among youths in the country for his advocacy targeting improved welfare and a broadened political space for them.

A member of the opposition and a strong ally of former Senate President Bukola Saraki, Melaye is a fierce critic of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC), dating back to when Muhammadu Buhari was in power. He has also continued to criticise the incumbent President, Bola Tinubu, over his economic policies.

Before his stint in the political space, he was an anti-corruption activist who was vocal on alleged corruption involving the leadership of the House of Representatives at the time.

His induction into the legal profession is seen as an added advantage in his activism and political career.

In 2023, he contested for the governorship of Kogi State but lost to APC candidate Usman Ododo.

Meanwhile, he has continued to receive goodwill messages from friends and associates after his induction.

During the Call to Bar ceremony on Wednesday, former Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, charged the newly inducted lawyers to uphold the highest standards of integrity, warning that legal practice is a privilege that can be lost through misconduct.

He told the new wigs that the legal profession is sacred and demands discipline, honour, and selfless service (The Guardian)

• Senator Dino Melaye adorning the full legal attire