The Lagos State Judiciary recently convened a Valedictory Court Session in honour of the Late Professor Benjamin Obiefuna Nwabueze at the High Court Ikeja.
In his address, the State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba described the late Professor Nwabueze as a remarkable individual who epitomised purposeful living and unwavering dedication.
He pointed out Professor Nwabueze’s profound impact on constitutional law, noting his instrumental role in shaping the legal frameworks of several African nations, especially his significant contribution to the Kenyan Constitution.
Justice Alogba lauded Professor Nwabueze’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming a towering figure in academia, highlighting his esteemed positions at institutions such as the University of Lagos, Nigeria; University of Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania and the National University of Lesotho. Additionally, he underscored Professor Nwabueze’s scholarly achievements, including his appointment to professorial chairs at prestigious universities like the University of Zambia and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
Expressing condolences to the bereaved family, the Chief Judge urged them to uphold the late Jurist’s exemplary legacy and unparalleled contributions to legal scholarship, citing his extensive body of work comprising 34 books, numerous conference keynotes, and a plethora of peer-reviewed articles.
In his words, “Professor Nwabueze’s literary prowess earned him the distinction of being the first academic lawyer to be conferred the title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) solely based on his scholarly publications”.
Furthermore, Justice Alogba highlighted Professor Nwabueze’s accolades, including the Nigerian National Order of Merit (NNOM) award and the Commander of the Order of Niger (CON) honour. He traced Professor Nwabueze’s academic journey from his early education at CMS Central School, Atani, to his formative years at CMS Central School, Onitsha, culminating in his scholarly pursuits at the School of Economics and Political Science, University of London, where his intellectual brilliance shone brightly.
The Lagos State Judiciary’s commemoration of Professor Nwabueze serves as a testament to his indelible mark on the legal profession and his enduring legacy as a preeminent legal scholar of African descent.
