Senator Professor Stephen Odey, Esq., has been duly sworn in and administered the oath of office as a Notary Public by Hon Chief Justice Akon B. Ikpeme on Monday, December 15, 2025.
The office of a Notary Public, particularly under the provisions of the Notary Public Act, 2023, represents a critical and prestigious facet of legal practice. It plays a vital role in the authentication and certification of legal instruments in an increasingly globalised legal environment, while also conferring significant professional distinction on the appointed legal practitioner.
The process of appointment is notably rigorous, designed to ensure that only legal practitioners of proven integrity, competence, and seniority are elevated to this revered office. The entire procedure is overseen by the Supreme Court of Nigeria, under the leadership of the Chief Justice of Nigeria.
Appointment as a Notary Public is not merely an honour; it is a significant professional milestone. In a profession where credibility and reputation are paramount, the title “Notary Public” serves as a public badge of seniority, experience, and unimpeachable integrity. It signals to clients, colleagues, institutions, and the international community that the practitioner has been thoroughly vetted and entrusted by the highest judicial authority in the country. This distinction enhances professional standing and reinforces trust—the true currency of legal practice.
The appointment of Senator Professor Stephen A. Odey therefore represents a strategic advancement in his legal career, elevating his professional profile and opening doors to specialised, high-value legal engagements befitting a Senior Legal Practitioner.
The occasion marks a double celebration, as December 15 also coincided with his birthday. Double congratulations to Senator Professor Stephen A. Odey on this remarkable achievement and milestone.