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From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
Renaissance Law Publications Ltd has honoured the traditional ruler of Obinofia Ndiuno Ancient Kingdom in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, Igwe Professor Christian Nwachukwu Okeke, for his towering contributions to legal education and for shaping generations of lawyers and legal scholars.
The firm presented a book in honour of the renowned professor at the Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu, at the weekend, with the Editor-in-Chief, Agu Gab Agu, describing Igwe Okeke as “a pillar of legal education” whose influence had extended across Nigeria and beyond.
Agu said the publication was part of the firm’s commitment to documenting the achievements of outstanding personalities in the academia, Bar and Bench whose contributions to the development of law deserved greater recognition.
He said: “His credentials and trajectory are intimidating. Look at the personages in this auditorium. He has impacted on more than 80 percent of this assemblage, either as his students or mentees. I was his student and later subordinate.”
Agu said Igwe Okeke represented “yesterday, today, and tomorrow” in Nigeria’s legal firmament, citing his extensive career in legal education. He noted that the monarch was a lecturer at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus; founding Dean of the Faculty of Law, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka; founding Dean and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT); and Emeritus Professor of the university.
He also served as Director of the LL.M. and SJD programmes in International Legal Studies, where he produced about 170 SJD graduates from 45 to 50 countries. Agu described the honouree’s influence as extending beyond the classroom, saying many of those gathered at the event were either his former students or mentees.
The Editor-in-Chief said the publication was the third major book dedicated to Igwe Okeke, following earlier works in 2009, and to mark his 80th birthday.
Responding, Igwe Okeke expressed gratitude to God for what he described as a “bountiful, successful life”, recalling his early years in legal education.
“I started teaching law at the age of 32. I earned my PhD in law at the age of 32. When I commenced teaching law at the Faculty of Law of the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, I taught law there for 12 years,” he said.
The professor said one of his greatest accomplishments was the number of professionals he had trained and mentored.
“I have trained lawyers who have risen to Olympian heights in the legal profession, judiciary, academia, industry, and international organisations,” he said.
The event also featured a tribute by the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Prof Chidiebere Onyia, who described Igwe Okeke as a symbol of strength, kindness, humility, and legacy.
Onyia recalled that his first meeting with the professor lasted only about five minutes but had a lasting impact on his career.
“Sometimes, I tell him that his life mirrors the things I have learnt and the things I want to be. You are a humble man and I respect you for that,” Onyia said.
He added: “Today, I celebrate you as a father, I celebrate you as a traditional ruler, but more importantly, I celebrate you for your legacy. Years from now, you will be remembered for what you have done. On behalf of the Enugu State Government, we celebrate you.”
Agu said Renaissance Law Publications would continue to document the contributions of eminent legal personalities, noting that the firm is already working on publications on several other distinguished members of the profession.
