Lagos CJ, BOSAN, lawyers pay tribute to legal legend, Uwechue
By Felix Kuyinu
The Lagos State Chief Judge, Justice Kazeem Alogba, has lauded the former Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Late Chief George Uwechue (SAN), as an erudite senior lawyer who would be dearly missed by practitioners in the legal profession.
Alogba spoke in a court proceeding in honour of the jurist who passing came on October 29, 2023, at age 85.
Justice Alogba said that the senior lawyer, who also rose to become Speaker pro Tempore of Nigeria House of Representatives worked indefatigably, pushing in his quota in realizing a better legal system in the society.
Expressing it’s tribute, 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.”
BOSAN, represented by foremost maritime lawyer, Louis Mbanefo (SAN), also stated that Uwechue became a Life Bencher and Chairman of the Body of Benchers.”
Mbanefo noted: “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.
“The death of Owelle has left a void in our hearts. He shall sorely be missed.”
Justice Mary Odili spoke highly of the deceased. Ably represented by Dele Adesina (SAN), Odili noted: “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.
“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.”
A requiem mass and Night of Tributes were held at the Nigerian Law School, Lagos Campus in honour of the legal luminary.
Among those who attended were Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi; wife of Nigeria’s former Vice President, Dr. Beatrice Ekwueme; Senator Daisy Danjuma, and a representative of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi CFR (Jájá II) among senior members of the bench and Bar.
Reacting on behalf of the family, Hon. Sally Uwechue-Mbanefo thanked the Lagos State Judiciary for the honour done to the patriarch of the family.
