Constitutional Lawyer,Ben Nwabueze Dies at 94

By Ikeugonna Eleke

Nigeria’s foremost constitutional lawyer and erstwhile Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Professor Ben Nwabueze, is dead.

The former Secretary (Minister) of Education was aged 94 at the time of his death.

A press release by Eni Nwabueze read: ‘With great sadness, we announce the passing on to celestial glory of our patriarch, Professor B. O. Nwabueze, SAN, NNOM, CON, pioneer Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and the Oduah Afo-na-isagba of Atani, Anambra State, on Sunday October 29, 2023 aged 94.

‘He lived an exemplary life of consequence. Burial arrangements will be announced in due course.’

Nwabueze, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) was born in 1931 in Atani, Anambra State.

The Vice-President, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene, who also confirmed the news of his death, said the deceased would be missed for what he described as his selfless service and dedication to the progress of Nigeria.

Okeke-Ogene said, ‘It is a great loss, both to Nigeria and the Igbo Nation. He was a very decent constitutional lawyer and minister par excellence. He was known for being vocal and ensuring an anti-corrupt system.

‘Indeed, the evolution of the entire legal system in Nigeria would not be complete without mentioning his invaluable contributions.’