President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Justice Emmanuel Obioma Ogwuegbu, a former Supreme Court Judge, extending heartfelt condolences to his family, the legal community, and the judiciary at large.

Justice Ogwuegbu, who was born in 1933 in Amainyi, Ihitte-Uboma council area of Imo State, dedicated more than five decades to Nigeria’s judiciary and left a lasting impact through his service, mentorship, and landmark rulings.

In a statement on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu acknowledged Justice Ogwuegbu’s critical role in shaping Nigeria’s legal landscape, stating that his unwavering commitment to justice, discipline, and integrity had left an “indelible mark.”

The President lauded Justice Ogwuegbu’s legacy, emphasizing his influence in guiding a generation of judges and lawyers across the country.

Justice Ogwuegbu’s esteemed career saw him appointed to the Supreme Court, where he presided over landmark cases on topics such as federalism, university autonomy, banking regulations, and individual rights under the Nigerian Constitution.

His judgments have since become foundational to Nigerian jurisprudence.

In addition to his Supreme Court service, Justice Ogwuegbu served as President of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies and chaired the Judicial Commission of Inquiry in 1999, examining human rights abuses under Nigeria’s military regimes.

Reflecting on his passing, President Tinubu stated that Justice Ogwuegbu’s life of discipline, excellence, and integrity continues to be an inspirational standard within Nigeria’s judiciary.

He expressed his hope that Justice Ogwuegbu’s contributions would guide future generations, underscoring that his legacy would continue to resonate in the pursuit of justice in Nigeria.

“President Bola Tinubu extends his heartfelt condolences to the family of Emmanuel Obioma Ogwuegbu, a former justice of the Supreme Court and Nigeria’s judiciary, on his passing.

“The President also conveys his sympathies to members of the bar and bench across the nation mourning this distinguished jurist’s death. Throughout his illustrious career, Justice Ogwuegbu mentored countless judges and lawyers.

“Born in 1933 in Amainyi, Ihitte-Uboma Local Government Area of Imo State, Justice Ogwuegbu dedicated over five decades to the judiciary, culminating in his appointment as a Justice of Nigeria’s Supreme Court. He also served as President of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies.

“After Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, Justice Ogwuegbu was appointed to chair the Judicial Commission of Inquiry, which investigated human rights abuses during the military regime.

“President Tinubu honours Justice Ogwuegbu’s enduring legacy and commends his unwavering commitment to justice, integrity, and the rule of law.

“He reflects on Justice Ogwuegbu’s pivotal role in transforming Nigeria’s judiciary into an institution where justice prevails without fear or favour.

“President Tinubu believes that Justice Ogwuegbu’s championing the values of discipline, excellence, and integrity throughout his life has left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s legal landscape.

“The President emphasises that Justice Ogwuegbu’s steadfast dedication to discipline, excellence, and integrity has left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s legal landscape.

“According to President Tinubu, Justice Ogwuegbu’s landmark judgments, particularly those on federalism, university autonomy, individual rights under the Nigerian Constitution, banking regulations, and monetary policy, will continue to serve as guiding principles and reference points in Nigerian law.

“President Tinubu offers prayers for divine comfort for the family of the late elder statesman and eternal peace for Justice Ogwuegbu’s soul,” the statement reads.