Chief Christopher Alexander Sapara Williams CMG (14 July 1855 – 15 March 1915) 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.
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.
Sir Frederick Lugard had opposed this proposal on the grounds of administrative convenience, and the eventual decision largely followed his beliefs.
[12] Sapara Williams challenged the Seditious Offenses Ordinances of 1909, which suppressed press criticism of the government.
][3] Williams' views on development of the colony included close association with European ideas and institutions, and he was against thoughtless and nonconstructive criticism of the administration.
[17] However, although Williams in many ways accepted European concepts and values, in October 1896 he sponsored an Egungun dance, a traditional ceremony.