Former justice of the Supreme Court Emmanuel Ogwuegbu is dead.
He was aged 91.
Born in March 1933 in Amainyi, Ihitte-Uboma Local Government Area of Imo State, Ogwuegbu dedicated over five decades to the judiciary.
After obtaining his LL.B from the University of Liverpool, England in 1960, he was called to the English bar in 1962 and became a solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. He later earned an LL.M from the University of London.
Before his elevation to the Supreme Court February 1992, he spent five years at the Court of Appeal. He also served in the Supreme Court of the Gambia following his appointment in December 1999. His legal career began as a magistrate and he progressed through the ranks, serving in the High Court of old Imo State, the Court of Appeal and eventually the Supreme Court.
He also served as president of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies.
After Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, Ogwuegbu was appointed to chair the Judicial Commission of Inquiry which investigated human rights abuses during the military regime.
Ogwuegbu retired from the Supreme Court on March 16, 2003.
Meanwhile, the President of Nigeria, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, mourned the late judge’s death.
In a press statement, the Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), Bayo Onanuga said the president extended his condolences.
It reads, “President Bola Tinubu extends his heartfelt condolences to the family of Emmanuel Obioma Ogwuegbu, a former justice of the Supreme Court and Nigeria’s judiciary, on his passing.
The President also conveys his sympathies to members of the bar and bench across the nation mourning this distinguished jurist’s death. Throughout his illustrious career, Justice Ogwuegbu mentored countless judges and lawyers.
Born in 1933 in Amainyi, Ihitte-Uboma Local Government Area of Imo State, Justice Ogwuegbu dedicated over five decades to the judiciary, culminating in his appointment as a Justice of Nigeria’s Supreme Court. He also served as President of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies.
After Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, Justice Ogwuegbu was appointed to chair the Judicial Commission of Inquiry, which investigated human rights abuses during the military regime.
President Tinubu honours Justice Ogwuegbu’s enduring legacy and commends his unwavering commitment to justice, integrity, and the rule of law.
He reflects on Justice Ogwuegbu’s pivotal role in transforming Nigeria’s judiciary into an institution where justice prevails without fear or favour.
President Tinubu believes that Justice Ogwuegbu’s championing the values of discipline, excellence, and integrity throughout his life has left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s legal landscape.
The President emphasises that Justice Ogwuegbu’s steadfast dedication to discipline, excellence, and integrity has left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s legal landscape.
According to President Tinubu, Justice Ogwuegbu’s landmark judgments, particularly those on federalism, university autonomy, individual rights under the Nigerian Constitution, banking regulations, and monetary policy, will continue to serve as guiding principles and reference points in Nigerian law.
President Tinubu offers prayers for divine comfort for the family of the late elder statesman and eternal peace for Justice Ogwuegbu’s soul.