Christopher Sapara Williams; the first Nigerian lawyer.
Chief Christopher Alexander Sapara Williams CMG was the first indigenous Nigerian lawyer, called to the English bar on 17 November 1879. In addition to his legal practice, he came to play an influential role in the politics of Nigeria during the colonial era.
He was instrumental in shaping the early legal profession in colonial Nigeria and was known for his intelligence, professionalism and integrity.
Williams was born on 14 July 1855. He was of Ijesha origin, but was born in Sierra Leone. He studied the Law in London at the Inner Temple, and was called to the English bar on 17 November 1879. Returning from the United Kingdom, he began practising law in Lagos Colony on 13 January 1888. He had an unmatched reputation as an advocate, and had intimate knowledge of unwritten customary law. He enrolled in the Nigerian Bar Association on 30 January 1888, and was Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association from 1900 to 1915.
Although Williams was the first indigenous Nigerian to formally qualify as a lawyer, he was not the only one to practice the law. Due to the shortage of qualified lawyers, until 1913 it was common for non-lawyers with basic education and some knowledge of English law to be appointed to practice as attorneys.
He famously said, "The legal practitioner lives for the direction of his people and the advancement of the cause of his country."
This statement reflects his vision of law as a tool not just for justice but for national development and identity.
Compiled by Lkite Princess
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