By Halimah Olamide
A prominent Nigerian constitutional lawyer and legal scholar, Prof Ben Nwabueze is dead. NPO Reports gathered Monday afternoon from sources close to the family that the late scholar, who was a prominent figure in the battle against the military died quietly on Sunday night.
Nwabueze was at a time the Chairman of The Patriots, a group of elder statesmen who were involved giving opinions on the state of the country’s politics and economy. He had succeeded the late Rotimi Williams who was the original chairman of the body.
he Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has described the demise of its first Secretary General, Prof. Ben Nwabueze as “devastating” saying that he was a “quintessential Igbo titan and patriot”.
The former Secretary (Minister) of Education passed on Sunday evening in his home in Enugu at the age of 92.
The Publicity Secretary of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Dr Alex Ogbonnia stated this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu on Monday.
The group described Nwabueze as one of the “foremost quintessential Igbo Titans, an erudite scholar, constitutional lawyer, educationist, former minister of the federal Republic of Nigeria, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
According to Ogbonnia, the President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, could not withhold his sorrow especially when the Igbo had lost in a close sequence, the former leaders of Ohanaeze; namely Prof. George Obiozor, Prof. Joe Irukwu and now Nwabueze.
He said Iwuanyanwu reminisced the indefatigable roles Nwabueze played as a patriot in the service of the country and the numerous books and articles by him on the constitutionalism which stood him out as an intellectual genius.
“Beyond the services to Nigeria, the Nwabueze scholarship found a profound expression in re-engineering the Igbo into one socio-cultural umbrella body-the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
The Igbo leader noted that Nwabueze was endowed with a magnetic mien, upright transparent disposition, disarming scholarship and an amazing public relation.
Others are his sterling qualities that helped to galvanize eminent Igbos to lend their support in nurturing Ohanaeze Ndigbo to attain an enviable global status.
“Prof. Nwabueze worked tirelessly under Chief Jerome Udoji, the first Secretary General of Ohaneze Ndigbo and Dr Akanu Ibiam as the first President General.
“In fact, the trio of Ibiam, Udoji and Nwabueze reorganised the Igbo when they needed it most. The erudite jurist also served under the tenure of Justice Eze Ozobu before he yielded to Col. Joe Achuzia as the Secretary General.
“Throughout his invaluable services he displayed an amazing intellect, courage, ingenuity, tenacity, hard work and patriotism; a man who spoke truth to power with lucid erudition and inspiring conviction,” Ogbonnia said.
He added that “His roles in Ohanaeze, depicts him as an exemplary scholar who has not allowed his exploits in the academia to alienate him from his cultural roots”.
The publicity secretary also described Nwabueze as a rare gem with accomplishments in diverse fields; an erudite scholar with about thirty books, numerous scholarly articles and other publications to his credit.
“He has made history as the first Nigerian professor to be appointed a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). He will remain a veritable source of inspiration to the generations yet unborn,”.
Nwabeze started his education at the CMS Central School Atani, from 1938 – 1945; C.M.S Central School, Onitsha, 1947 – 1950; London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London, 1956 – 1961; School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, 1961 – 1962.
The legal luminary was a Senior Lecturer at Holborn College of Law, London; Senior Lecturer, University of Nigeria Nsukka; Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Zambia and Director, Law practice Institute, Zambia, 1973 – 1975.
Nwabueze was a Member of the Senate of the Universities of Lagos, Dar-es-salaam, Nairobi, Haile Selassie in Ethiopia, Lesotho, Botswana and Swaziland between 1971 and 1978; Minister of Education in Nigeria among several others.
He earned his Doctor of Laws (LL.D) of the University of London in 1978, based on his three outstanding books – Constitutionalism, Presidentialism, and Judicialism.
“While we prepare for a befitting burial, may the soul of Professor Ben Nwabueze find an eternal repose in the bosom of our Lord. Ogbonnia prayed.
Soludo Mourns
Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra has joined Nigerians and people of the state in particular to mourn Prof. Ben Nwabueze, a former Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo.
Soludo expressed his condolences in a message signed by Mr Christian Aburime, his Press Secretary in Awka on Monday.
Nwabueze, an Anambra born legal icon, died on Sunday night. He was aged 92.
Soludo said the elder statesman lived all his life inspiring generations of legal minds and citizens alike to strive for a more just and equitable society with an influence that extended far beyond his home state.
“As a towering figure in the field of constitutional law and an elder statesman of unparalleled integrity in Nigeria, the legacy of Prof. Nwabueze will forever be etched in the annals of our nation’s history.
“His unyielding commitment to the cause of constitutionalism, justice and equity has left an indelible impact on Nigeria.
“His wisdom and tireless efforts in advocating for democratic ideals have also guided our nation through some of its most pivotal moments.
“On behalf of the government and the good people of Anambra, I join in mourning the loss of this great son and patriot whose phenomenal contributions to our state and country will never be forgotten,” he said.
Soludo prayed God to grant his soul eternal rest while extending deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who were affected by the loss.
Tinubu Speaks
President Bola Tinubu has condoled with the Nwabueze family, the government and people of Anambra State, on the death of Professor Ben Nwabueze, one time minister of education.
Tinubu, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, described the death of Nwabueze who was also a foremost constitutional lawyer as a profound loss.
According to him, Nwabueze’s knowledge of law was outstanding.
“Prof. Nwabueze’s contribution to the precedents and principles of the nation’s constitution is notable.
” His involvement in the drafting of the 1979 constitution is a legacy that stands him out as well as his outstanding contributions to the legal profession at large.”
Tinubu asked his family, the good people of Anambra State, and Nigerians in general to take solace in the worthy legacy that the deceased left behind.
The President prays that God Almighty grant Prof Nwabueze eternal rest.
