The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, says the judgments of late Justice Emmanuel Ogwuegbu did not merely resolve disputes but elevated Nigeria’s jurisprudence.

Ms Kekere-Ekun said this in Abuja on Wednesday at a valedictory court session in honour of Mr Ogwuegbu, a Supreme Court justice who died on October 28, 2024, at 91.

She said Mr Ogwuegbu’s judgments and life also speak to the conscience of a nation, strengthening the pillars of democracy, and enriching Nigerian law with experience, compassion and wisdom.

“His contributions will continue to illuminate the courts, and his legacy remains embedded in the moral and legal consciousness of the nation. Throughout his illustrious judicial career, he brought to bear a rare combination of erudition, clarity and compassion. He was a jurist who wrote with precision, reasoned with rigour and adjudicated with fairness.

“As a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, His Lordship contributed significantly to the shaping of our modern legal landscape. His Lordship’s deep insight and fearless reasoning were particularly evident in cases that advanced constitutional governance, individual liberties and the devolution of powers,’’ she said.

She said Mr Ogwuegbu was a torchbearer of justice whose career spanned more than four decades of unwavering dedication to the bench.

”He was a Judge of great dignity, humility, and empathy, qualities that humanised the law and brought comfort to those who sought justice. He listened intently, decided fairly, and treated all who came before him with respect and decency,’’ added Ms Kekere-Ekun.

The attorney general of the federation and justice minister, Lateef Fagbemi, charged judicial officers to live up to expectations.

(NAN)