Judges, benchers, others pay tribute to Uwechue
THE Lagos State Chief Judge, Justice Kazeem Alogba has described former Chairman of the Body of Benchers, the late Chief George Uwechue ( SAN) as an erudite senior lawyer who would be dearly missed by the legal profession.
Uwechue died on October 29, 2023. He was 85 years old. Justice Alogba spoke during a special court session in honour of the late jurist who also rose to become Speaker pro Tempore of Nigeria’s House of Representatives.
In a tribute by the Body of Benchers signed by its chairman, Hon. Justice Mary Odili and delivered on its behalf by Mr Dele Adesina ( SAN), noted that “Chief Uwechue was a quintessential practitioner, a rare gem, a great leader, an epitome of humility, a mentor and a respected elder statesman,” adding
that “he distinguished and made a name for himself within and outside the legal profession. He was one Nigerian that served the legal profession and the nation diligently and meritoriously in various capacities.”
On its part, the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria ( BOSAN) said he was very brilliant as a lawyer and astuteness as a politician, adding that Uwechue “appeared as counsel in a large number of important cases and played an active role in the affairs of the Nigerian Bar Association ( NBA).”
Delivered by foremost maritime lawyer, Mr. Louis Mbanefo ( SAN), BOSAN stated that Uwechue, also known as the Owelle of Ogwashi Uku out of distinction became a Life Bencher and Chairman of the Body of Benchers.
“During my visits to his house shortly before his death, he expressed his delight at the honour bestowed on him by the Body of Benchers by naming a building at their headquarters in Abuja after him. The death of Owelle has left a void in our hearts. He shall sorely be missed,” Mbanefo said.
In a tribute by NBA President, Mr. Yakubu Maikyau ( SAN), he stated that the learned silk was an active and committed Bar man.
According to him, he was a representative of the NBA in the Body of Benchers for 17 years, before his appointment as a Life Bencher.