President Tinubu Mourns Over Death Of Popular Ex-Supreme Court Justice

President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over the death of a former Justice of the Supreme Court, Emmanuel Obioma Ogwuegbu.

The President, in a statement on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of Ogwuegbu, and Nigeria’s judiciary over the passing of the jurist.

President Tinubu, who noted that Justice Ogwuegbu, during his career and lifetime, mentored a lot of judges and lawyers, extended his sympathies to members of the bar and bench across the nation.

Naija News understands Justice Ogwuegbu’s landmark judgments, particularly those on federalism, university autonomy, individual rights under the Nigerian Constitution, banking regulations, and monetary policy, are major guiding principles and reference points in Nigerian law.

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.

Onanuga said, “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.

“President Tinubu offers prayers for divine comfort for the family of the late elder statesman and eternal peace for Justice Ogwuegbu’s soul.”