Education
Enugu hosts book presentation honoring late Nnamani
Written By: Emmanuel Ikhenebome
29 Aug 2025 06:40 PM
Enugu – The International Conference Centre in Enugu was abuzz with intellectual fervor and reverence today as dignitaries, legal luminaries, and scholars gathered for the public presentation of the book An Oracle at the Pinnacle of Justice: Essays in Honour of Late Justice Augustine Nnamani, JSC, Ph.D, CON, SAN.
The event, a tribute to one of Nigeria’s most distinguished jurists, was chaired by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who also delivered a stirring keynote address.
Hosted by Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, the ceremony celebrated the life and legacy of Justice Augustine Nnamani, a legal icon whose remarkable journey from humble beginnings in Enugu to the Supreme Court of Nigeria at the age of 45 continues to inspire generations.
The book, edited by Prof. Agu Gab Agu, comprises 22 essays that chronicle Nnamani’s profound contributions to Nigerian jurisprudence and national policy.
Governor Mbah, in his address, described Justice Nnamani as “a philosopher in robes, a steward of justice whose brilliance, courage, and humanity left an indelible mark on our justice system.”
He highlighted Nnamani’s pivotal role in shaping landmark policies, including the establishment of the Legal Aid Council, the Declaration of Assets by Public Officers, and the Land Use Decree of 1978 during his tenure as Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation.
“This work is not merely a tribute but a living dialogue with his ideas, a call to emulate his courage and scholarship,” Mbah stated.
The event featured a guest lecture by renowned constitutional lawyer Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN, whose insights into Nnamani’s legal philosophy captivated the audience.
Prof. Gozie Ogbodo, Rector of the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, delivered a comprehensive review of the book, emphasizing its significance as both a historical and legal resource.
A panel discussion themed “The Nigerian Question” further enriched the event, sparking robust conversations on justice, governance, and national development.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Mr. Uche Nnaji; Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Senator Osita Ngwu (Enugu West); and Senator Kevin Chukwu (Enugu East).
Their presence underscored the widespread admiration for Justice Nnamani’s legacy.Governor Mbah announced that the Enugu State Government would procure 100 copies of the book for distribution to libraries and law faculties across the state, ensuring that Nnamani’s values of integrity, excellence, and service to humanity continue to inspire future generations.
“His judgments were thoughtful, infused with humanity, and aimed at strengthening the foundations of a just society,” Mbah noted.
Justice Nnamani, born on August 8, 1934, in Agbani, Enugu State, was a trailblazer in the legal profession.
A graduate of the London School of Economics and Political Science, where he earned a Second Class Upper Division in Law, a Master’s degree, and a Ph.D. in Constitutional Law, he was called to the Bar at Gray’s Inn in 1962.
In 1978, he became the first Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) from Enugu State, a testament to his mastery of the legal profession.
His elevation to the Supreme Court in 1979 marked a historic milestone, as he was appointed directly from the Bar, a rare feat.
The book presentation was not only a celebration of Nnamani’s monumental contributions but also a reminder of his enduring vision for a just and prosperous Nigeria.
As Prof. Ozekhome remarked, “Justice Nnamani’s legacy challenges us to uphold justice as the cornerstone of peace and development.”
The event concluded with a renewed call to action, urging legal practitioners, policymakers, and citizens to draw inspiration from Nnamani’s life and work.
His values, as encapsulated in An Oracle at the Pinnacle of Justice, will undoubtedly continue to guide Nigeria’s pursuit of a fair and equitable society.
The event, a tribute to one of Nigeria’s most distinguished jurists, was chaired by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who also delivered a stirring keynote address.
Hosted by Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, the ceremony celebrated the life and legacy of Justice Augustine Nnamani, a legal icon whose remarkable journey from humble beginnings in Enugu to the Supreme Court of Nigeria at the age of 45 continues to inspire generations.
The book, edited by Prof. Agu Gab Agu, comprises 22 essays that chronicle Nnamani’s profound contributions to Nigerian jurisprudence and national policy.
Governor Mbah, in his address, described Justice Nnamani as “a philosopher in robes, a steward of justice whose brilliance, courage, and humanity left an indelible mark on our justice system.”
He highlighted Nnamani’s pivotal role in shaping landmark policies, including the establishment of the Legal Aid Council, the Declaration of Assets by Public Officers, and the Land Use Decree of 1978 during his tenure as Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation.
“This work is not merely a tribute but a living dialogue with his ideas, a call to emulate his courage and scholarship,” Mbah stated.
The event featured a guest lecture by renowned constitutional lawyer Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN, whose insights into Nnamani’s legal philosophy captivated the audience.
Prof. Gozie Ogbodo, Rector of the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, delivered a comprehensive review of the book, emphasizing its significance as both a historical and legal resource.
A panel discussion themed “The Nigerian Question” further enriched the event, sparking robust conversations on justice, governance, and national development.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Mr. Uche Nnaji; Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Senator Osita Ngwu (Enugu West); and Senator Kevin Chukwu (Enugu East).
Their presence underscored the widespread admiration for Justice Nnamani’s legacy.Governor Mbah announced that the Enugu State Government would procure 100 copies of the book for distribution to libraries and law faculties across the state, ensuring that Nnamani’s values of integrity, excellence, and service to humanity continue to inspire future generations.
“His judgments were thoughtful, infused with humanity, and aimed at strengthening the foundations of a just society,” Mbah noted.
Justice Nnamani, born on August 8, 1934, in Agbani, Enugu State, was a trailblazer in the legal profession.
A graduate of the London School of Economics and Political Science, where he earned a Second Class Upper Division in Law, a Master’s degree, and a Ph.D. in Constitutional Law, he was called to the Bar at Gray’s Inn in 1962.
In 1978, he became the first Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) from Enugu State, a testament to his mastery of the legal profession.
His elevation to the Supreme Court in 1979 marked a historic milestone, as he was appointed directly from the Bar, a rare feat.
The book presentation was not only a celebration of Nnamani’s monumental contributions but also a reminder of his enduring vision for a just and prosperous Nigeria.
As Prof. Ozekhome remarked, “Justice Nnamani’s legacy challenges us to uphold justice as the cornerstone of peace and development.”
The event concluded with a renewed call to action, urging legal practitioners, policymakers, and citizens to draw inspiration from Nnamani’s life and work.
His values, as encapsulated in An Oracle at the Pinnacle of Justice, will undoubtedly continue to guide Nigeria’s pursuit of a fair and equitable society.
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