By Nicholas Obisike
Enugu – Enugu State Judiciary on Friday paid last respect to a onetime Chief Judge of old Enugu State Justice Ezebuilo Ozobu who died at the age of 88 in Enugu.
Speaking during a valedictory session for late Ozobu, the Chief Judge of Enugu State, Mrs Ngozi Emehelu described him as an `astute administrator’.
Emehelu said that Ozobu was an icon, eloquent jurist, upright judge who believed so much in transparency.
She noted that Ozobu served the country excellently in different field and capacities.
”He worked with different banks ranging from First Bank of Nigeria and was a onetime President General of Pan-Igbo Cultural Organization known as Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide.
”He was until his death, the traditional ruler of Umuagba, Imezi-Owa Ezeagu Local Government Area, Enugu State,” she said.
Emehelu urged all concerned to be consoled by the fact that the patriarch lived a good life and left a very good name and ending legacies.
The Attorney General of the State, Mr. Melitus Eze described Ozobu as an `eminent jurist’ who served the state meritoriously as a judge and chief judge.
”I was shocked when I heard of his demise and his death left an indelible mark to the Enugu State Judiciary,” he said.
The attorney general urged the family members to take solace that the eminent jurist made his mark before his demise.
He said that the Nigeria Judiciary would miss him and prayed for the repose of his soul.
Mr. Anene Ojinata, the Chairman Nigeria Bar Association (NBA, Enugu State branch said that death is a distinction that we all shared and that no one would be exempted.
”Think of what you can accomplish now while you are alive before your call.
”We have gathered here to pay last respect to late Justice Ozobu and we know that death is a call for all human.
”Whatever we find time to do, let us do it with diligence because we will not have time for it in death,” Ojinata advised.
He called on families, friends and well wishers to take solace in Ozobu’s selfless services and his legacies as his soul keep resting in the bosom of the Lord.
The valedictory session was attended by the Chairman of Supreme Court, Justice C.C. Nweze and Chief Nnia Nwodo, the president of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide.
Others are Sen. Chukwuka Utazi representing Enugu North, immediate past Chief Judge of Ebonyi State, Justice Alloy Nwanwegu and others.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that late Justice Ozobu was born in August 1932 at Aguobu-Owa in Ezeagu Local Government Area.
Ozobu journey into the legal profession started in England in 1958 when he enrolled and attended the Inns of Court School London between 1958 and 1961.
He was called to London Bar on Feb. 6, 1962 and to Nigeria Bar on March 16, 1962.
The late Ozobu was appointed a judge of High Court of Old Anambra State on Jan. 2, 1978.
He subsequently became the Chief Judge of Old Enugu State in August 1991, a position he held without blemish until he retired in 1998 upon the age of 65 years.
(NAN)
