Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Emeka Obegolu, yesterday condoled with the family of Ogaga Emoghwanre over the untimely death of their Son.

In a condolence message titled “TRIBUTE TO OGAGA EMOGHWANRE” Chief Obegolu noted that the deceased lived a life of service to the Bar and humanity.

Read the full Tribute Below

I received news of the passing of Ogaga Emoghwanre! The impact of that new was severe and heavy, as it rekindled the reality, finality and unpredictable nature of death…. “A necessary end, which will come when it will come”- Shakespeare in “Julius Caesar.”

Mr. Emoghwanre will be remembered for long interactive moments he shared with colleagues in our noble profession. He projected himself to the limelight recently when he offered to serve as Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association.

His departure is certainly a grave loss, and a challenging moment especially for the Nigerian Bar Association, given his invaluable services as Personal Assistant to the NBA President in the last administration. In particular, he served as Publicity Secretary to the NBA Benin branch (the Lion Bar). Ogaga was also the Secretary of the NBA National Welfare Committee. These were active offices he held until his death.
In the words of the famous playwright, William Shakespeare, in his 1599 tragedy “Julius Caesar”: “His life was gentle and the elements so well mixed in him, that nature might stand up and say to all the world, This Was A Man!” Ogaga was such a man in the circle of the members of the Nigerian Bar Association.

He displayed vigor, enthusiasm, comradery and dedication during his contest for Publicity Secretary of NBA. He endeared himself to all, a jolly good fellow, fondly known for the remarks “it is a crime to pass through this world unnoticed”. As recorded by Samuel Butler, “To die completely, a person must not only forget but be forgotten, and he who is not forgotten is not dead” Indeed, we all noticed Ogaga and his memory is still actively alive!

I hereby extend my condolences to his wife and family, friends and colleagues, especially Mr. Olumide Akpata, the immediate past president of NBA whom Ogaga called boss, padi, and elder brother. Let me also encourage the entire members of the Nigerian Bar to take solace in the fact that this great colleague has led a lifestyle of service to the Bar and humanity in general. A true Bar Man, he served the Bar until his last breath. God knows the best!

May his memory be a blessing!

Emeka Obegolu, SAN