Legal Icon Prof. Ben Nwabueze Passes Away at 94
The news of the passing of Prof. Ben Nwabueze, a renowned Nigerian legal icon, has brought forth an outpouring of tributes.
Born in 1931 in Atani, Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nwabueze was a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
Eni Nwabueze, the family spokesperson, confirmed in a statement on Monday that he passed away on Sunday evening at his home.
“With great sadness, we announce the passing on to celestial glory of our patriarch, Professor B. O. Nwabueze SAN, NNOM, CON, pioneer Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and the Oduah Afo-na-isagba of Atani, Anambra State, on Sunday, October 29, 2023, aged 94,” he wrote.
In response to his demise, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, through its Secretary-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, described Nwabueze as a “great luminary, a towering figure, and a champion of the Igbo cause.”
According to Isiguzoro, the Igbo-speaking states, including Anioma in Delta State and Ikwerre in Rivers State, will observe four traditional market days of mourning to honor Nwabueze’s memory.
“We announce with deep grief the passing away of our beloved founder and former Secretary-General, Prof. Ben Nwabueze, a man whose contributions to the academic, legal, and political spheres are immeasurable,” the statement read.
Ohanaeze highlighted Nwabueze’s tenure as Secretary-General from 1978 to 2004, during which he transformed the organization into a formidable and highly regarded non-partisan pan-Igbo pressure group.
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, in his tribute, emphasized that Nwabueze’s influence extended beyond his home state and praised his lifelong dedication to inspiring generations of legal minds and citizens to strive for a more just and equitable society.
Soludo’s statement, signed by his Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, acknowledged the deceased’s unwavering commitment to constitutionalism, justice, and equity, which has had a lasting impact on Nigeria.
The Credibility Group, an Igbo organization, also paid homage to the late Nwabueze, describing him as a consummate lawyer and a professor of law who insisted on conducting a written examination for his LLD.
