Justice Ijem Onwuamaegbu at 70
By Pat Onukwuli
Few milestones in life hold as much significance as the biblical age of seventy. In ageing, that rhythm which carries us from the vigour of youth to the wisdom of old, seventy stands out.It isoften heralded with reverence and resignation, a marker that suggests the twilight of one’s years and the beginning of a quieter chapter. In many societies and establishments, retirement at this point is not just encouraged but mandated. Turning that calendar page signifies the moment to step aside and relinquish the mantle of responsibility to younger shoulders.
But should seventy indeedbe the time to throw in the towel? Or is it a time to embrace a new role that taps into the wealth of knowledge and experience accrued over decades? Should we, as a society, reframe our understanding of this age not as the end of active contribution but as a threshold into a new phase of purposeful living? This re-evaluation could bring about a wealth of benefits for individuals and society, offering a new chapter of personal growth and fulfilment beyond the age of seventy.
This holds for Hon. Justice Ijem Onwuamaegbu, who embodies the idea that seventy is a threshold and not a terminus. For her, it’s a milestone, not a finale, and it’s a time when her contributions can be even more significant and impactful. Today, as she attains thismomentous age, we pause to celebrate the years she has lived and the legacy she has crafted with her intellect, discipline, and steadfast commitment to the rule of law. Like Deborah, the scriptural female judge who led from the front, herLordship has served meritoriously, and her futurecontributions will still improve society.
In the golden annals of Anambra State, her name is etched with the brilliance of a first: the first female Chief Judge, a trailblazer who shattered glass ceilings and redefined what it meant to be a woman in the hallowed halls of justice. It was not merely a title but a mantle of responsibility, which she carried with dignity and an unyielding sense of purpose. It is said that leadership is not about being the first to arrive but about paving the way for others to follow. She excelled, lighting the path for future generations with integrity and brilliance.
Five years have passed since she stepped down from the bench on that auspiciousday of September 3rd, 2019, upon reaching the then-mandatory retirement age of sixty-five then, which has now been increased to seventy following the amendment of Section 291 of the 1999 Constitution in June 2023. Yet, time, that relentless arbiter of change, has been kind to her. Her Lordship has not lost her youthful looks, a verificationof the genes gracing her lineage, but perhaps more so to the strict personal discipline that has been the hallmark of her life. For Justice Onwuamaegbu, seventy is indeed the new fifty, a reflection of an active mind and a spirit that refuses to dim with age.
Her legacy, however, is not confined to the courts she once presided over with an ironclad sense of justice. It stretches far beyond into the hearts of those she inspired: the young lawyers who saw in her anexample of hope, the women who found in her a model of possibility, and the citizens of Anambra State who trusted in her to be the final voice in their pursuit of justice. Her wisdom, tempered by years of experience and her ethical compass, remains a guiding light in the complex draperyof Nigerian jurisprudence.
But why should such a figure retire into the quiet of obscurity when so much more is to be given? Her vast experience and legal acumen are invaluable treasures in a nation yearning for guidance. The role of a judge does not end with the stroke of a retirement pen; it evolves into a new chapter of mentorship, advisory roles, and public service. Her Lordship stands as a figure who, even in retirement, could shape the future of this nation by lending her voice and expertise to the issues that define our collective journey. Her discipline, ethical standards, and sharp mind are assets too precious to be confined to the past.
In a nation where the scales of justice have often tethered under the weight of corruption, bribery, and nepotism, the judiciary today stands at a crossroads, its image tarnished and its integrity questioned. Yet, in these darkened halls of justice, where the very pillars of fairness may have been compromised, lies apotential vision of hope—a voice poised that can add to the restoration of the judiciary’s honour and integrity. She is not just another figure in the judiciary; she is the daughter of a great jurist, a legacy that endowed her with a deep andunshakable moral compass from a lineage steeped in juridical excellence.
As Nigeria continues to navigate its complex legal and political landscape, the role of figures like Justice Onwuamaegbu cannot be overstated. Her heritage is one of honour and dignity, traits that are desperately needed to salvage the judiciary’s battered image in Nigeria.Her active mind and sharp insight make her not just a retiree but a reservoir of wisdom that the nation can draw upon. Whether through advisory roles, contributing to policy development, or, most importantly, mentoring the next generation of legal minds, her involvement can significantly influence national development and ensure that the ideals of justice and equity remain at the forefront of the nation’s consciousness. She should be a mentor for the future of justice in Nigeria to ensure that her unblemished legacy continues to shape the legal landscape for generations to come.
Indeed, Justice Onwuamaegbu’s retirement should not signal an end but rather a transformation of her role in national development. She remains a repository of wisdom, a custodian of legal principles, and an embodiment of the moral compass that this nation desperately needs. It is figures like her who can continue to guide the country through turbulent times, helping to maintain the delicate balance between law and justice, power and responsibility.
As we celebrate her seventieth birthday, we do so with gratitude for the years she has given to the service of justice and hope for the years ahead, where her influence can continue to shapesociety. For her, seventy is not just a number; it is a milestone on a path that still stretches far into the future, a future where she remains a pillar of wisdom and a symbol of what is possible when one lives a life dedicated to truth, justice, and service.We are, therefore, confident that seventy is not a winding down but a continuation of her life’s mission—serving, leading, and inspiringand are convinced that her journey is far from over. Happy Birthday, Your Lordship and many happy returns.
• Onukwuli PhD, writes from Bolton, UK
