The association of legal practitioners of Igbo extraction, Otu Oka Iwu, has made a firm pledge to work towards enhancing the delivery of justice across Nigeria. This commitment was central to the group's 2025 Annual Dinner and Award Night, held in Lagos on the evening of 23 December 2025.
A Night of Celebration and Recommitment
The prestigious event attracted a gathering of legal luminaries, government officials, and leaders of major Igbo socio-cultural organisations. In his welcome address, the association's President, Mr Okechukwu Unegbu, framed the night as a dual occasion. He stated it was both a celebration of professional excellence and a solemn recommitment to the core duties of the legal profession.
"Tonight, we gather to reaffirm our shared commitment to the values that bind us together as custodians of justice, interpreters of the law and ambassadors of the Igbo nation," Unegbu told the audience. The Chairperson of the Planning Committee, Mrs Augustina Igbokwe, added that the association aims to reposition itself as a central rallying point for Ndi Igbo in Lagos. She praised the award recipients as individuals who are "already building the walls" by defending Igbo interests, mediating disputes, and mentoring the next generation of lawyers.
Legal Caution and Cultural Pride
The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), offered a crucial caution to the legal community. He advised against public commentary on pending court cases, especially those involving prominent Igbo personalities. Osigwe stressed that while communal solidarity is valuable, it must never be allowed to interfere with or undermine the proper legal process. "We must not imbibe extreme individualism," he further cautioned.
Representing the Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, the Deputy-Governor, Engr Ikechukwu Emetu, charged Igbo lawyers to be unwavering symbols of justice and integrity. "As a body of lawyers from Eastern Nigeria, you must ensure that the pride of Ndi Igbo is protected in every sphere," Emetu stated.
The President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Dr Azuta Mbata, struck a note of cultural celebration. He described the event as part of a "global resurgence of Igboness," noting that Igbo communities worldwide are embracing their heritage with renewed pride. He hailed the Igbo personality as "the apex of the Nigerian intelligentsia," pointing to their significant achievements in education, commerce, and enterprise. However, Dr Mbata also expressed concern over the continued challenge of achieving adequate political representation at the highest national levels.
Honouring Legal Excellence
The ceremony served to honour several distinguished members of the bar for their contributions. The list of award recipients included:
- Dr Monday Ubani (SAN)
- Chris Okeke (SAN)
- Lady Debbie Obodoukwu (Life Bencher)
- Chief Paul Obi (SAN)
- Mr Emeka Akabogu (SAN)
- Ernest Ikeji (SAN)
- Leslie Akujuobi Njemanze (SAN)
The event underscored the pivotal role professional associations like Otu Oka Iwu play in advocating for judicial reform, fostering professional development, and preserving cultural identity within the broader framework of national unity.
