John Agbakwuru
Sir Gabriel Ofodile Okafor (SAN) needs no introduction in the legal profession. Having spent over 40 years of his life in the legal profession, he has become a guru of a sort.
In this interview, Ofodile, who recently marked his 70th birthday, declared” “I rose from a humble background to become one of legal giants in the country today. Through thick and thin, I survived the odds of a disadvantaged background to rise to become one of the leading voices in the legal profession and an icon to future generations.”
He spoke on a wide rage of issues, including the legal profession.
You clocked 70 years a few days ago. How does it feel being a septuagenarian?
I feel that the Lord has been so good to me, because biblically, He has given us three score and ten. Therefore, if anybody is able to attain such age in this hostile environment, it is something to glorify God for.
Kindly tell us about your parents?
I didn’t know my father very well, but I knew my mother. I also knew my step-father. I hail from Nkpologu in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State. My village is called Amaoshebe. My mother of blessed memory was a titled woman and a disciplinarian. She held the title of Lolo, one of the most prestigious titles for women in my community in those days. My step-father was also a disciplinarian known for his truthfulness. If you want to know the truth about any issue, go to him (Ichie). He did not hide anything, but he would say it the way it was, no matter who was involved. Besides, I am the only child of my parents.
What manner of a boy were you?
Well, like my contemporaries, I grew up in the village. We were playful, jovial, played pranks and loved one another. We talk about the normal village life in those days. You can see a family of eight children eat from the same plate of soup and drank from the same cup, unlike today. Our school was about two to three miles away from home, yet we used to trek to and fro daily. It was all interesting anyway.
What influenced your choice of law as a profession?
Because of my not being privileged to go to secondary school, my choice was limited. It was liberal art, Literature, Government, or Economics. Because my choice was limited to either any of the Humanities or Law, I chose Law.
Can you recall one or two legal cases you handled that turned out to be very challenging or memorable?
Yes, I have many of them. There is a case of a widow from the South eastern part of the country. They drove her and her two daughters out of her husband’s house. Her husband’s brother who claimed to be a Muslim, insisted she would not inherit anything. They dragged this widow to different places, including Alagbon Close and other police stations. We filed a case in court, pursued it up to the Supreme Court and the woman got all her rights. That case remains memorable to me.
I am happy that the Supreme Court has made some pronouncements to the effect that any law which disentitles a female child from inheriting from her father is against natural justice, equity and good conscience. That law cannot stand.
How would you describe the rate of development of the Nigerian judiciary, from your days as a young lawyer to the present time?
I must say that judges of the old were much more learned, much more dedicated and committed in doing their jobs. I practiced under some white judges. In those days, you can’t see a judge of the High Court in a bar or in any gathering. The only place you would see them was in the churches, state burials, after which they would retire to their homes. They would not mingle with the public because of the nature of their work. They maintained their integrity, thus were regarded as “sacred cows.”
What of today?
There are many of them out there churning out wonderful judgments.
Are there persons who contributed to your success?
Yes I would like to pay tribute to the traditional ruler of my community. His Royal Highness Igwe S. J. Idu (Nnanyelugo 1 of Nkpologu). He is my godfather, my teacher and my mentor and I served him. In fact, I was in his house when I completed my primary school education. It was in his house that I was when I started learning typing and shorthand. Also, in his house that I started work at UNN Nsukka. So, what I am today, Igwe S.J Idu has contributed immensely to it. Another person is the late Sir A. D. C. Eze and his wife, Beatrice. They were very wonderful. He was a catechist for many years. He was a role model, a Christian per excellence who gave all to God and to man.
What day would you regard as the happiest day your life?
It was when I received my investiture as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria on September 15, 1997. I regarded that day as one of the happiest days in my life, because we were relatively a few then. When you look at the row of Senior Advocates in Nigeria, I am supposed to be number 124. In a country where you have not less than a hundred thousand lawyers, we give God the glory.
What is your philosophy?
My philosophy is to build. In other words, I build. I don’t destroy. That has guided me in this profession. I have never written any petition against any judge or anybody. I always believe that there is a way out. If you don’t like a judgment, you can appeal it.