Innocent Azubike Umezulike OFR (21 September 1953 – 11 June 2018) was a Nigerian jurist who served as the chief judge of Enugu State for over 13 years.[1] He remains the longest-serving chief judge in South-Eastern Nigeria, and second longest-serving chief judge in Nigeria.[2]
Innocent Umezulike | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | Innocent Azubike Umezulike 21 September 1953 Rivers State, Nigeria |
| Died | 11 June 2018 (aged 64) London, England |
| Occupation | Jurist |
| Years active | 1972–2018 |
| Children | Cynthia Umezulike |
Education
editInnocent Azubike Umezulike was born on 21 September 1953 in Rivers State, southern Nigeria. He went to St. Vincent Secondary School, where he obtained his West African School Certificate in 1971.[3] He then attended the University of Lagos, graduating with a bachelor's degree in law in 1976.
Career
editHe joined the Nigerian Television Authority as an assistant legal adviser to the corporation.[4] He was admitted to the Nigerian Bar Association in 1980.[5]
In 1983, Umezulike joined the University of Ibadan's faculty of law before joining Nnamdi Azikiwe University, where he began as a senior lecturer in 1987 and became an associate professor in 1992.[6] In August 1993, he was appointed Judge of Enugu State,[5] prior to which he became the state's Chief Judge; after four years of service, he was nominated to serve in the Supreme Court of the Gambia.[2][4] He was also appointed chairman of the Failed Banks Tribunal Zone 6 Nigeria.[7]
Throughout his career, Umezulike served in various positions at public and private institutions, including as a senior special adviser to the Attorney General of Nigeria prior to his appointment as an Enugu State judge.[2] He also authored and published over 23 books on conveyancing, adverse possession, and land and property law throughout his career.[8][9]
Umezulike died at a hospital in London on 11 June 2018.[2] The Hon. Justice Innocent Umezulike Foundation, set up after his death, held a memorial lecture at the Justice I.A Umezulike Auditorium, Enugu State High Court complex in September 2019, marking the first anniversary of his death with a presentation of the book Hon. Justice Innocent Umezulike: A Chronicle of Leading Judgements Volume 1.[10][11]
Honours
edit
Order of the Federal Republic of Nigeria[12]
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References
edit- ^ "Remembering Justice Innocent Umezulike". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. 2020-06-27. Retrieved 2022-03-07.
- ^ a b c d "Umezulike, ex-Enugu CJ dies in London". Vanguard. 27 June 2018. Retrieved 31 July 2018.
- ^ Eneyiramoh, Yisa. "The illegality of judges' book launch and suspicious donors". Nigerian Tribune. Archived from the original on June 12, 2015. Retrieved June 16, 2015.
- ^ a b Arusuraire, Olivia (29 June 2018). "Politics & Nigeria's Economy 2018: The Life And Death Of Justice Innocent Umezulike". Olatorera.com. Retrieved 13 February 2020.
- ^ a b "National Judicial Council queries Enugu Chief Judge on misconduct". Naijiant. 18 April 2016. Archived from the original on 25 February 2020. Retrieved 25 February 2020.
- ^ Ubabukoh, Ozioma (17 November 2012). "Using ego, ambition to kill a political party". The Punch. Archived from the original on 2015-06-12. Retrieved 16 June 2015.
- ^ Elegbede, Wale (3 July 2018). "Family set to release burial arrangement of Umezulike, Ex-Enugu CJ". New Telegraph. Archived from the original on 25 February 2020. Retrieved 25 February 2020.
- ^ "Family set to release burial arrangement of Umezulike, Ex-Enugu CJ". Vanguard. 3 July 2018. Retrieved 13 February 2020.
- ^ "Former Chief Judge of Enugu State Umezuruike is dead". Everyday News. 27 June 2018. Archived from the original on 13 February 2020. Retrieved 13 February 2020.
- ^ Okeke, Ifeoma (5 September 2019). "Foundation holds one year memorial lecture for late Justice Innocent Umezulike". Business Day. Retrieved 19 February 2020.
- ^ Shibayan, Dyepkazah (6 September 2019). "Foundation to honour Umezulike, ex-Enugu chief judge". The Cable. Retrieved 21 February 2020.
- ^ "Umezulike, ex-Enugu chief judge for burial Sept 28". The Guardian. 26 July 2018. Retrieved 13 February 2020.
External links
edit- The Hon. Justice Innocent Umezulike Foundation – Official website