President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mourned the passing of former Supreme Court Judge, Justice Emmanuel Obioma Ogwuegbu, extending his heartfelt condolences to the late justice’s family, the legal community, and the judiciary as a whole.
Justice Ogwuegbu, born in 1933 in Amainyi, Ihitte-Uboma, Imo State, served Nigeria’s judiciary for over five decades, contributing to the nation’s legal development through his dedicated service, mentorship, and landmark rulings. His career was marked by a commitment to justice that left a lasting legacy.
In a statement issued Wednesday by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President acknowledged Justice Ogwuegbu’s significant influence on Nigeria’s legal system. Tinubu noted that the justice’s dedication to “justice, discipline, and integrity had left an indelible mark,” describing him as a mentor who had profoundly shaped generations of Nigerian judges and lawyers.
Justice Ogwuegbu’s esteemed career culminated in his appointment to the Supreme Court, where he presided over pivotal cases involving issues such as federalism, university autonomy, banking regulation, and individual constitutional rights. His rulings in these areas have since become foundational to Nigerian jurisprudence.
Beyond his Supreme Court tenure, Justice Ogwuegbu served as President of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies. In 1999, following Nigeria’s transition to democracy, he chaired the Judicial Commission of Inquiry, which investigated human rights abuses under previous military regimes.
Reflecting on Justice Ogwuegbu’s life, Tinubu praised his exemplary discipline, excellence, and integrity, emphasizing that his life’s work remains a model for the judiciary.
Tinubu expressed hope that future generations would continue to draw inspiration from Ogwuegbu’s contributions, underscoring that his legacy would endure in Nigeria’s pursuit of justice.
The statement read: “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 of 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,” the statement concluded.
