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Happy Birthday to a Legal Encyclopedia: A Tribute to Prof. Mike Ozekhome SAN, CON, OFR

Published

5 months ago

October 16, 2024

Eric

By Pelumi Olajengbesi Esq.

It is not every day that one has the privilege of working alongside a man whose very name commands respect and admiration across Nigeria’s legal landscape. I consider myself immensely fortunate to have shared that experience with Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN. On this occasion of his birthday, I reflect not only on the profound impact he has had on my own professional journey but on the indelible mark he has left on the legal profession and the broader pursuit of justice in Nigeria.

Chief Ozekhome is not merely a legal practitioner; he is a force of nature. His courtroom victories, often secured under the harshest scrutiny, have become the stuff of legend. Yet, his true strength lies in his unwavering commitment to justice—especially for those who are too often overlooked. What stands out most about him is his deep sense of purpose, an insatiable drive to advocate for the common man, to challenge entrenched systems, and to push boundaries that others may view as immovable.

Having worked closely with him, I can attest without hesitation to his mastery of the law, which is nothing short of awe-inspiring. His knowledge spans diverse areas in ways that make the title of “legal encyclopedia” not just a compliment, but an accurate description. He doesn’t just understand the intricacies of the law—he wields them as tools to carve out justice where others may see only impossibility. His ability to distill complex legal issues and weave them into nuanced arguments reflects not only a brilliant legal mind but a deep thinker who grasps the critical role that law plays in shaping society. When it comes to knowledge of the word of God, Prof. has the entire scriptures easily on his lips.

Time and again, I have been struck by his boundless energy and relentless pursuit of what is right. In a world where it is all too easy to be swallowed by the status quo, Chief Ozekhome, SAN remains unyielding. Whether he is defending human rights or championing the causes of the marginalized, he approaches every case with the same fiery resolve, driven by a core belief that justice is not a privilege for the few but a right for all. Even in the most controversial and unpopular cases, he stands firm, propelled by a profound sense of duty and purpose.

What resonates most deeply with me, however, is his generosity in mentoring the next generation of legal minds. Chief and Professor Ozekhome, SAN embodies the belief that true greatness is not about hoarding power or knowledge, but about sharing it. He has always made time to impart his vast experience, teaching not just the technical nuances of the law but also the ethics, resilience, and courage required to stand up for justice. His willingness to pass on wisdom, his openness to fresh ideas, and his steadfast support for young lawyers make him not just a leader but a pillar of the legal profession.

Chief Ozekhome’s passion for the law is unmatched. His love for the legal profession is palpable—it shines through in his discussions of cases, in the intensity of his arguments, and in his vision for the evolution of Nigeria’s legal system. He is driven not by personal gain, but by the belief that the law can—and should—serve as an instrument of positive change. His practice, though steeped in tradition, is forward-thinking, constantly pushing for progress in how the law can better serve society.

The unique nature of his practice warrants special recognition. Chief Ozekhome is not just an advocate; he is a scholar, an activist, and a visionary. His ability to merge rigorous legal arguments with a profound compassion for humanity distinguishes him in a league of his own. His practice is as much about winning cases as it is about setting precedents that will benefit society long after the judgment is delivered. His eloquence, both in court and in his legal writings, reflects a mind that is ever questioning, ever probing, and always pushing the boundaries of legal thought in Nigeria.

Chief Ozekhome’s life and career are defined by his relentless pursuit of justice—not just for the powerful, but for the powerless. He has an extraordinary gift for breathing life into even the most obscure cases, giving them the same attention and dedication as any high-profile matter. That is what truly sets him apart—not just the accolades or courtroom victories, but the countless lives he has quietly transformed. These victories may not always make headlines, but they are victories that matter all the same.

Today, we celebrate not only the birthday of a great lawyer but also the legacy of a man who has given so much to the legal profession and to the cause of justice in Nigeria. Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, is a giant among us, yet he carries his greatness with humility, always focused on the greater good.

Happy birthday, Sir!

Here’s to many more years of good health, groundbreaking advocacy, and the continued pursuit of justice. May you continue to inspire those of us fortunate enough to learn from you, and may your legacy continue to uplift the profession you hold so dear.

Pelumi Olajengbesi Esq. is a Legal Practitioner and Managing Partner at Law Corridor, Nigeria.
https://lawcorridor.org.

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Sanusi Lamido Remains Emir, Kano Govt Insists, Says Appeal Court Can’t Contradict Itself

Published

9 hours ago

March 15, 2025

Eric

Kano State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Haruna Isa Dederi, has insisted that the ruling of the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, on the lingering emirship tussle has not invalidated the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 16th Emir.

Besides, Dederi declared that having passed a landmark verdict on January 10, 2025, reaffirming the power of the Kano State Government to reappoint Sanusi, it is impossible for the Court of Appeal to set aside or quash its own decision on the same matter.

The Attorney General made this position known to journalists while reacting to Friday’s ruling of the Appellate Court on the application for a stay of execution filed by Alh. Aminu Baba DanAgundi, one of the kingmakers loyal to the 15th Emir of Kano, Alh. Aminu Ado Bayero, pending the determination of the appeal at the Supreme Court.

According to Dederi, the matter is functus officio, adding that only the Supreme Court has the power to set aside the decision of the Appeal Court handed down by Justice Mohammad Mustapha on January 10, 2025.

“The Appeal Court today, after hearing their application for a stay of execution, ruled that the status quo should rather be maintained as it is now until after the judgment of the Supreme Court. They have filed an appeal at the Supreme Court.

“It doesn’t mean that the judgment delivered on January 10, 2025, has been quashed. That judgment is still standing, still in place, and subsisting. The Court of Appeal cannot reverse its own decision. It is not possible. Only the Supreme Court has the power to set aside the judgment given by a lower court.

“So, the Court of Appeal, Abuja, today has just said that execution of the judgment has been stayed pending the outcome of the appeal, which has been filed at the Supreme Court by Aminu Baba DanAgundi on behalf of Bayero,” Dederi noted.

It would be recalled that on January 10, 2025, a three-member panel of the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, led by Justice Mustapha, set aside the judgment of Justice A. Liman of the Federal High Court, Kano, which nullified the steps and actions taken by the Kano State Government pursuant to the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Law 2024, including the appointment of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the 16th Emir of Kano.

The Appellate Court also dismissed the decision of the Federal High Court judge to hear the matter relating to the emirate council, ruling that the Federal High Court lacked the jurisdiction to do so. This decision upheld the removal of Bayero as the 15th Emir.

Dissatisfied with the verdict of Justice Mustapha’s panel, DanAgundi proceeded to the Supreme Court to seek the overturning of the lower court’s verdict. He also filed a motion for a stay of execution of Justice Mustapha’s judgment pending the hearing and determination of the Supreme Court’s ruling on the matter.

The application was also moved on the grounds that the applicant initially instituted the suit in Kano to protect his fundamental rights and argued that the trial court lacked jurisdiction to hear and determine the suit.

In a unanimous ruling, the three-member panel of Justices led by Justice Abang on Friday held that the application was meritorious and deserving of the court’s discretion in the interest of justice.

“The law is settled. The court is enjoined to exercise its discretion judiciously and in the interest of justice,” Justice Abang said

Justice Abang held that the mandatory injunction ordered that the status quo ante bellum be maintained by the sheriff of this court and the trial court as it was before the trial court’s decision on 13/6/2024 in Suit No. FHC/KN/CS/182/2024.

In granting the injunction, Justice Abang emphasised that the applicant’s process was competent and had met all the necessary legal conditions required to obtain the relief sought.

He noted that a valid appeal was already pending before the Supreme Court, reinforcing the need to preserve the subject matter of the litigation.

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Obi Employs Sarcasm, Mocks Tinubu on Prevailing Hardship

Published

1 day ago

March 14, 2025

Eric

Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has taken a swipe at President Bola Tinubu, sarcastically praising him for fulfilling his promise to continue where former President Muhammadu Buhari left off.

Speaking during a visit to Governor Bala Mohammed in Bauchi on Thursday, Obi criticized the current administration’s handling of the economy, stating that Nigeria must now move beyond ethnic and religious politics to focus on competence and capacity.

“Tinubu promised to continue where Buhari stopped. If you look at it, Buhari left the dollar at about N400, today it is about N1,500. Rice was about N40,000, it is now over N100,000. Fuel was about N300, it is now over N1,000. I can go on and on—everything has doubled and tripled. So, he has done exactly as he promised,” Obi remarked.

Obi contrasted Nigeria’s economic performance with that of Indonesia, citing how their government transformed the country’s economy over the past decade.

“In Indonesia, a president was sworn in about the same time as another one in Nigeria. Ten years later, Indonesia moved their GDP from $800 billion to $1.3 trillion, and their per capita income from $3,000 to $5,000.

Here in Nigeria, our GDP fell from $500 billion to $200 billion, and per capita income dropped from $3,500 to below $2,000—that is the difference,” he explained.

He further emphasized the need to revive Nigeria’s industries, invest in education and healthcare, and steer the nation towards productive governance.

Obi stated that his meeting with Governor Bala Mohammed was part of a broader discussion on addressing the country’s challenges.

“We have just started discussions. You can’t consummate a marriage in one day. But the most important thing is that our thoughts are centered on issues that affect the ordinary Nigerian.

We want a Nigeria where a child of nobody can become somebody. We will eliminate the elite conspiracy that uses tribalism and religion to divide the people. We have voted for tribe and religion before; now, we must vote for competence and capacity,” Obi declared.

Governor Bala Mohammed affirmed that their collaboration transcends party lines, religious affiliations, and geopolitical interests for the betterment of Nigeria.

“Our collaboration is beyond party, religion, and personal interests. The government in power thrives on division, but we will use knowledge, strategy, and unity to build a better Nigeria,” the governor stated.

Obi’s visit signals a growing political alliance among opposition figures, with a focus on economic recovery, national unity, and leadership accountability ahead of future elections.

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Fubara Bows to Pressure, Invites Pro-Wike awmakers to Peace Meeting

Published

5 days ago

March 10, 2025

Eric

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminialayi Fubara has extended an olive branch to lawmakers loyal to his rival, Nyesome Wike.

The governor invited the Amaewhule-led House of Assembly members to a peace meeting, following the Supreme Court’s judgement on the state’s political unrest.

The invitation was made through a letter from Dr. Tammy Danagogo, Secretary to the State Government, to Speaker Martins Amaewhule.

The meeting is scheduled for Monday at 10 am at the Government House in Port Harcourt.

The agenda includes addressing lingering issues, presenting the 2025 state budget, and discussing payment of lawmakers’ allowances.

The letter read: “I hereby write in furtherance of His Excellency’s promise stated in my letter dated 5th March 2025 to notify you that His Excellency has received the Supreme Court Judgment, and has therefore directed me to invite you and your colleagues -the Honourable members of Rivers State House of Assembly, to a meeting to discuss:-

“Provision of a befitting space for the Assembly’s sittings. Payment of all outstanding remuneration or allowances of the Honourable members. Presentation of Budget and sundry matters;

“Any other matter(s), as may be necessary, to chart the way forward in the best interest of the State. Sequel to the above, I hereby humbly invite the Rt. Hon. Speaker, and all the Rivers State House of Assembly members to a meeting with the Governor as follows.”