BEN NWABUEZE: 1931 – 2023
Ben Nwabueze, foremost constitutional lawyer and former Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, dies at 92
The recent passing of Professor Benjamin Obi Nwabueze, foremost constitutional lawyer, and former Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo marks the end of an exceptional life that was robustly active both inside the mind and outside it. On his 82nd birthday in 2013, Nwabueze was reported to have implored God to give him five more years to enable him to make further contributions to the transformation of Nigeria. It is to the nation’s gain that Nwabueze was obliged an extra decade. On the issues close to his heart, Nwabueze demonstrated a rigorous passion till the end, even as he battled the frailties and infirmities of old age.
With his prodigious intellect, which he deployed in the service of his nation for several decades, Nwabueze played critical roles in Nigeria at different epochs both during the military era and under civil rule. Fondly referred to as a ‘professor of professors’, Nwabueze was a towering figure in both the law profession and academic community in Nigeria. As a lawyer, law teacher, and a foremost political advocate for a more equitable federation, Nwabueze spent the latter part of his life to champion the campaign to ‘restructure’ Nigeria. In a most fitting tribute, President Bola Tinubu referenced Nwabueze’s notable contribution to the precedents and principles of constitutionalism in Nigeria as a “legacy that stands him out as well as his outstanding contributions to the legal profession at large.”
While he may have been more concerned about developments in his country, Nwabueze’s footsteps are also deeply imprinted in a host of African countries where he played a leading role in building a stronger foundation for their judicial systems. He was also a member of the Senate in several leading universities across the continent. But the development of Nigeria remained his primary interest. Till the end, Nwabueze believed that the failure to realise the promise of independence and deliver a better life for the people was a challenge that needed to be tackled with forthright courage, rather than nationalistic platitudes. And he did his best to do so in his personal capacity or through the various groups to which he belonged.
Born 17 years after the amalgamation of the northern and southern protectorates in 1931, Nwabueze was destined to be a significant participant in confronting the challenges that continue to plague post-independence Nigeria. Starting at the local primary school in his hometown Atani in present day Anambra State, Nwabueze made quick progress in scaling the academic heights. He attended the London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London from 1956 to 1961 before proceeding to the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. He was Senior Lecturer at Holborn College of Law, London, before returning to the country to take up the same position at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka during the civil war years. In 1971, Nwabueze was Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Zambia and Director, Law practice Institute, Zambia, between 1973 and 1975. On the strength of three insightful and original constitutional works, Nwabueze was awarded Doctor of Laws (LL. D) by the University of London in 1978. Nwabueze also had the distinction of being the first lawyer elevated into the ranks of Senior Advocates on account of his books and other academic accomplishments. Among other academic laurels, he wrote over 30 books and published over 200 academic papers.
Nwabueze’s abiding commitment to the rule of law and social justice drove most of his interventions in the public space. At the end, his life exemplifies commitment and principle in the service of the nation and higher ideals. May his soul rest in peace.
