The Chairman of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Western Zone, Priye Noel Kuete, LL.M, BL., has congratulated four Ijaw legal practitioners on their elevation to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) by the Legal Practitioners' Privileges Committee (LPPC).

The honorees are Dr. Eric K. Omare, Somina Peter Johnbull, Soibi Ideriah Ovia and Igonikon Whyte-Adekunle.

In a statement, Kuete congratulated them on behalf of the zone’s executive committee and Ijaw people in Delta, Edo and Ondo states, describing the SAN rank as one of the highest and most distinguished honours in Nigeria’s legal profession.

The INC Western Zone leader said their elevation recognised their legal expertise, professional excellence, dedication to justice and contributions to the legal profession.

He added that the achievement was a source of pride and inspiration to the Ijaw Nation, saying it reflected the community’s continued progress in excellence, leadership and service.

"This prestigious recognition is a testament to your exceptional legal expertise, professional excellence, dedication to the advancement of justice and invaluable contributions to the legal profession. Your elevation is not only a personal achievement but also a source of immense pride and inspiration to the entire Ijaw Nation.

"As proud sons and daughter of the Ijaw ethnic nationality, your accomplishments demonstrate that our people continue to make remarkable strides in the pursuit of excellence, leadership and service to humanity. You have further strengthened the visibility and reputation of the Ijaw Nation within Nigeria's legal community and beyond," the statement reads.

According to the Kuete, the four lawyers have also strengthened the visibility and reputation of the Ijaw Nation within Nigeria’s legal community and beyond.

“Congratulations to Ijaw Nation,” Kuete said.

Dr. Eric K. Omare, Somina Peter Johnbull, Soibi Ideriah Ovia and Igonikon Whyte-Adekunle were among other 64 SAN conferees awarded the SAN rank by Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, GCON, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, at the Main Courtroom of the Supreme Court of Nigeria Complex in Abuja on Monday, October 12, 2026.