Lagos CJ, BOSAN, Others, Mourn Uwechue at Special Court Session

The Lagos State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba, has described former Chairman of the Body of Benchers, late Chief George Uwechue, SAN, FNIALS as an erudite senior Lawyer who will be dearly missed by the legal profession. Justice Alogba spoke during a Special Court Session in honour of the late Senior Advocate, who also rose to become Speaker Pro Tempore of Nigeria’s House of Representatives.

In a tribute by the Body of Benchers (BoB) signed by its Chairman, Hon. Justice Mary Odili, JSC (Rtd), and delivered on its behalf by Deacon Dele Adesina, SAN, the BoB noted that “Chief George Uwechue, SAN was a quintessential practitioner, a rare gem, a great leader, an epitome of humility, a mentor and a respected Elder Statesman”, adding that “He distinguished and made a name for himself, within and outside the legal profession. He was one Nigerian that served the legal profession and the nation diligently and meritoriously, in various capacities”.

On its part, the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN) noted that: “So much has been said about his brilliance as a Lawyer, and his astuteness as a Politician”, adding that Uwechue “appeared as Counsel in a large number of important cases, and played an active role in the affairs of the Nigerian Bar Association”. 

Delivered by Mr Louis Mbanefo, SAN, BOSAN stated that Uwechue, also known as the Owelle of Ogwashi Uku, “became a Life Bencher and Chairman of the Body of Benchers”. Mbanefo noted that “During my visits to his house shortly before his death, he expressed his delight at the honour bestowed on him by the Body of Benchers by naming a building at their headquarters in Abuja after him.” BOSAN noted that, “The death of Owelle has left a void in our hearts. He shall sorely be missed”.

In a tribute by NBA President, Mr Yakubu Maikyau, SAN, he stated that “The Learned Silk was an active and committed Bar man. He was a representative of the Nigerian Bar Association in the Body of Benchers for 17 years, before his appointment as a Life Bencher. He also served our nation to the best of his ability, and in varying capacities, having served as Chairman of the Body of Benchers; Member, Rules Advisory Committee that drafted the Supreme Court Rules, 1985 (as Amended) and Member, Federal House of Representatives representing Aniocha Federal Constituency, in the old Bendel State. Truly, he was a Statesman to the core”.

Tributes were also delivered by the Attorney-General of Lagos State, Mr Lawal Pedro, SAN, and a representative of NBA Branches in Lagos State.

Among senior Lawyers who attended the event are former NBA President, Dr Olisa Agbakoba, SAN; Chief Emeka Ngige, SAN; Deacon Dele Adesina, SAN; Mr Toyin Pinheiro, SAN; Chief Val Uche Obi, SAN; Mrs. Titilola Akinlawon, SAN; Dr Chuka Agbu, SAN; Mr Luke Chidi Ilogu, SAN; Mr Chijioke Okoli, SAN and Mr Lotanna Okoli, SAN.

Others are Mr Chukwuka Ikwuazom, SAN; Mr Clement Onwuenwunor, SAN; Dr Leslie Nylander, SAN; Mr Uzoma Azikiwe, SAN; Chief Henry Omu, SAN; Mr Chibuike Victor Ihekweazu, SAN; Chief Uche Ihediwa, SAN; Prof MacCarthy Mbadugha, SAN; Prof Oludayo Amokaye, SAN; Mr Ikenna Okoli, SAN and Senator Mike Ajegbo, CON.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Hon. Sally Uwechue-Mbanefo thanked the Lagos State Judiciary for the honour done to the patriarch of the family.

Meanwhile, a Requiem Mass and Night of Tributes were held last Friday at the Nigerian Law School, Lagos Campus in honour of the legal luminary. 

Owelle Uwechue died on October 29, 2023. He was 85 years old.