NBA, BOSAN, jurists eulogise late Uwechue
THE Nigerian Bar Association ( NBA), members of the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria ( BOSAN) and other eminent jurists have extolled the virtues of the late legal luminary and former Chairman of the Body of Benchers ( BOB), Chief George Uwechue ( SAN) as he was buried in splendid pomp in Delta State.
In a tribute by NBA President, Mr. Yakubu Maikyau ( SAN), stated that Uwechue was an active and committed Bar man.
He, he recalled, was a representative of the NBA in the BOB for 17 years, before his appointment as a Life Bencher.
“He also served our nation to the best of his abilities and in varying capacities, having served as Chairman of the BOB; Member, Rules Advisory Committee that drafted the Supreme Court Rules, 1985 ( as altered) and Member, Federal House of Representatives representing Aniocha Federal Constituency, in the old Bendel State. Truly, he was a statesman to the core,” Maikyau declared.
Also, the Attorney- General of Lagos State, Mr. Lawal Pedro SAN and a representative of NBA branches in Lagos State
eulogised the elder statesman, who died at 85. Many activities were done to honour his uncommon career both as a foremost senior lawyer and a former federal legislator who rose to become Nigeria’s Speaker Pro Tempore.
Following Uwechue’s demise on October 29, 2023, the family, in collaboration especially with the alumni of G. N. Uwechue & Co, rolled out several activities to celebrate the late sage.
The events kicked off with a well- attended Special Court Session organised by the
Lagos State Judiciary in honour of the foremost senior lawyer and member of the Inner Bar.
The solemn ceremony, which is reserved for senior lawyers who achieved extraordinary distinction in their professional career, was held on January 17, 2024 at Lagos High Court, GRA, Ikeja with Lagos State Chief Judge, Justice Kazeem Alogba as the Chief Host.
Justice Alogba described Uwechue as an erudite senior lawyer who would be sorely missed by the legal profession.
In a tribute by the BOB signed by its Chairman, Justice Mary Odili and delivered on its behalf by Deacon Dele Adesina ( SAN), it noted that Uwechue was a quintessential practitioner, a rare gem, a great leader, an epitome of humility, a mentor and a respected elder Statesman.
It added: “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.”