Distinguished figures, including Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Prof. Mike Ozekhome, Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, and former Ohanaeze Ndigbo President-General Chief Nnia Nwodo, paid glowing tributes to the late Supreme Court Justice Augustine Nnamani during a book launch in Enugu on Friday.
The event, organized by Renaissance Law Publications under Prof. Gab Agu’s leadership, celebrated Nnamani’s enduring contributions to Nigerian jurisprudence, particularly his landmark judgments and foundational role in the Land Use Act.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) noted that Nnamani, appointed to the Supreme Court on August 15, 1979, passed away in 1990.
At the event, which featured the presentation of a commemorative essay collection, speakers lauded his visionary approach to justice.
A guest speaker, Prof. Ozekhome, described Nnamani as a towering figure whose judgments embodied “discipline, clarity, erudition, and foresight.”
He emphasized that Nnamani’s legacy should inspire legal education and judicial appointments, stating, “His life proves that the law is not merely a profession, but a vocation of destiny.”
Ozekhome highlighted Nnamani’s rare ascent from Attorney-General to Supreme Court Justice, a path shared only with the late Justice Taslim Elias, former Chief Justice of Nigeria.
“His judgments carried the fire of scholarship and the fragrance of wisdom,” Ozekhome added, urging that Nnamani’s work be studied for its instructional value.
Governor Mbah praised Nnamani’s brilliance, noting that the essay collection offers “a refreshing window into defining national policies that had Nnamani’s imprints.”
He described the late justice as “a philosopher, a steward of justice,” adding, “The 22 essays constitute an important historical and legal trope, illuminating our understanding for both law students and courtroom veterans.”
Chief Nwodo, who chaired the event, shared personal reflections on his family’s close ties with Nnamani’s, lamenting the inability to save him when he collapsed during his father’s burial.
He hailed Nnamani’s intellectual gifts, underscoring his profound impact.
A former Kogi West Senator, Sen. Dino Melaye, also spoke, urging Nigerians to lead lives worthy of celebration, inspired by Nnamani’s example.
The book, reviewed by Prof. Gozie Ogbodo, spans 657 pages across 22 chapters with contributions from 22 authors, chronicling Nnamani’s legal legacy.
Prof. Gab Agu, representing Renaissance Law Publications, explained the initiative’s mission to advance legal scholarship by spotlighting exemplary figures like Nnamani.
“It is our intention to publish quarterly on such heroes who possess the can-do spirit. Justice Nnamani deserves this accolade,” Agu stated.
The event underscored Nnamani’s enduring influence, cementing his place as a legal luminary whose work continues to shape Nigeria’s judicial landscape.
