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By Vincent Kalu
When John Quincy Adams, the sixth President of the United States, said: “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader,” he had in mind the likes of Elder Eke Obuba, the former company secretary and group legal adviser of Daily Times of Nigeria Plc.
Obuba, a legal luminary, made great positive impacts in the lives of people, especially, the young ones.
While in active service in the 1980s and 1990s, he played a great fillip to facilitate or secure employment for fresh graduates and school levers from the Ohafia community, Abia State.
In the ecclesiastical circle, he encouraged young people to embrace Jesus Christ and nurtured them into spiritual maturity.
Elder Obuba was born on December 31, 1933, in Ndi Uyo Compound, Amaekpu Ohafia, Abia State, to Mr. Obuba Kalu Ukwa and Mrs. Oyidiya Obuba.
Named after the respected Ohafia businessman, Chief Eke Olugu Ajike, he grew up with a strong sense of discipline, purpose and the expectation of greatness.
He began his education at Ohafia Central School and later attended Merchants of Light School, Oba, Anambra State, where he excelled academically and completed his secondary education with a Grade One West African School Certificate. With determination and self-study, he passed the Advanced Level examinations and gained admission to read Law at the University of Lagos, receiving the support of his uncle, Prof. Eme Awa, former National Electoral Commission of Nigeria (NECON) chairman.
National events and the Nigerian civil war interrupted his studies, yet he persevered and completed his law degree at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
He was first called to the Biafran Bar in 1968, and subsequently to the Nigerian Bar on June 18, 1971, becoming the first resident lawyer in Ohafia.
Elder Obuba began his legal career with distinction, practicing law in Ohafia and later joining the Daily Times of Nigeria Plc, where he rose to the position of Company Secretary and Group Legal Adviser. Known for his integrity, courage and meticulous work ethic, he served the company for nine impactful years before retiring in 1991.
After retirement, he returned to private legal practice and founded Eke Obuba & Co. in Ohafia.
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His approach to the law emphasised truth, reconciliation and fairness. He was a respected advocate who guided many through difficult disputes and mentored younger lawyers with generosity and patience.
Elder Obuba was deeply devoted to community development. He served as legal adviser and later president of the Amaekpu Development Union, Lagos Branch, where he championed major projects such as the construction of classrooms and community infrastructure.
He also served in leadership roles in Isiama Ohafia Development Union, Ohafia Improvement Union and on the board of governors of Government Trade Centre, Ania, Ohafia. In 2014, the Nigerian Bar Association, Ohafia branch, honoured him for his outstanding contributions to the legal profession.
A committed Christian, Elder Obuba worshipped with the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, where he served as a Ruling Elder, Commissioner of Ugwu Parish, and legal adviser to Ohafia and Abam Presbyteries, as well as to the Synod of the East.
He was a lover of hymns, a man of prayer and a faithful servant of God whose life reflected humility, dedication and deep spiritual commitment.
He was as a member of the Abia State Judicial Service Commission (JSC), where he performed the function steadfastly and was forthright in the discharge of his duties. He had a mind of his own and could not be swayed to jettison credibility for political consideration in decision-making.
He fought several battles at the Daily Times of Nigeria and even in his duties as serial legal adviser to the various tiers of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria leadership, but came out of the battles unblemished and unstained.
In 1969, he married Miss Nwanna Iro, a union blessed with five children and eight grandchildren, who remain his greatest legacy. His home was one of warmth, wisdom, discipline and love.
He was a devout family man who loved his children and equally gave out love and care to members of his maternal family in keeping with Ohafia custom and tradition.
He was so close to his children that they all collectively and individually will find no fault in his actions and dealings.
He was always right before his children and they will always pitch tent with him no matter which interest is involved. All his children, without exception, showered so much love on him till his last moment.
After a life of service, excellence, courage and faith, Elder Barrister Eke Obuba passed on to glory on November 18, 2025. He leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire his family, the church, Ohafia community and all who had the blessing of knowing him.
