Life And People
The Prophetic Paradigm Of Professor Benjamin Nwabueze -By Ike Willie-Nwobu
Prof. Nwabueze earned his Doctor of Laws (LL.D) at the University of London in 1978, based on his three outstanding books–Constitutionalism, Presidentialism, and Judicialism, thus entering the record books as the second (since the death of Dr. T.O. Elias), the only Nigerian and African holder of a higher doctorate degree in Law by published works.
He was also the first academic lawyer to be made a Senior Advocate of Nigeria .in 1978 strictly on the basis of his published works.
Generationally, fate, faith and fortune find their finesse to fashion a gem, the sort of generational gift that refines gratitude and deifies genius, and against whom other gifts necessarily come up short. This they give to a family, society or even country,
When nature conspires with nurture to work such a miracle for a people, there is ceaseless celebrationbecause it does not happen every day.
The late Professor Benjamin Obi Nwabueze who died on 31st October 2023 was one such gem whose gift as an Igbo man, Nigerian, bar man and human being transcended both time and tenure.
A cerebral lawyer and law teacher, seasoned senior advocate of Nigeria, Nwabueze was many things rolled into one, a force of nature finessed into a file for men and matters by his sheer humility and ceaseless candor.Indeed, like a refiner’s fire, he burnt bright, purifying the thought processes of those who passed under his firm but compassionate hands.
In a country where hypocrisy is the honey of the high and mighty, Nwabueze knew intrinsic truth about the transience of power and never missed an opportunity to speak truth to power. A citadel of constitutional law and Nigeria’s constitutional democracy, he knew the place and power of Nigeria’s supreme law having contributed to the drafting of the 1979 Constitution. But beyond his awe at the potency of the law, he knew the potential of the law to prevent chaos and chicanery in a country where the makers of the law often conspire with its interpreters and enforcers to place themselves above the law and defraud Nigerians.
Instances abound of the many times the doyen of Nigeria’s constitutional law stepped forward to make one of his immortal offerings of truth to power, drawing from his wellspring of experience, insight and wisdom as some factors and fiends pushed the country towards the precipice.
Born on 22 December 1931 in the sleepy town of Atani in Anambra State, there was nothing in the life of the young Benjamin that suggested he was seeded with the makings of a global icon. His humble beginnings at CMS Central School in Atani soon led him to some of the world’s most prestigious institutions. His academic pursuit started at the CMS Central School Atani, from 1938 – 1945; C.M.S Central School, Onitsha (formerly, African College), 1947 – 1950.
He later went to London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London, 1956 – 1961 and School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, 1961 – 1962.
From 1962–1965, he was Senior Lecturer at Holborn College of Law, London, and Senior Lecturer, University of Nigeria Nsukka, between 1967 – 1970. In 1971, he was Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Zambia and Director, Law practice Institute, Zambia, 1973 – 1975
Prof. Nwabueze earned his Doctor of Laws (LL.D) at the University of London in 1978, based on his three outstanding books–Constitutionalism, Presidentialism, and Judicialism, thus entering the record books as the second (since the death of Dr. T.O. Elias), the only Nigerian and African holder of a higher doctorate degree in Law by published works.
He was also the first academic lawyer to be made a Senior Advocate of Nigeria .in 1978 strictly on the basis of his published works.
He was a member of the Senate of the Universities of Lagos, Dar es Salaam, Nairobi, Haile Selassie in Ethiopia, Lesotho, Botswana and Swaziland between 1971 – 1978.He was appointed the University Assessor for Academic Appointments, Universities of Ghana, Lagos, Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), and Jos between 1978 – 1979.
But with the erudite professor of law, there was just enough grit to match the abundant glamour. Together with Akanu Ibiam, M.I. Okpara, K.O. Mbadiwe, Chief Ugochukwu, P.N. Okigbo and Udoji, he was a founding member of the pan-Igbo group, Ohaneze Ndigbo, serving as its pioneer secretary-general between 1978 to 2006, during which time they transformed the fortunes of the group in Nigeria’s socio-economic and political space.
Death may be the ultimate accounting of all men but ocassionally, some men walk the surface of the earth, who defy death even in death. Professor Nwabueze was one of such men.
His life and letters will continue to provide immortal luminescence as Nigeria continues to navigate a labyrinth of challenges and confusion.
It is rather sad that at a time when Nigeria is crying out for direction, its most certain and compassionate compasses are increasingly signing the eternal checkout.It is a blessing that many of them are dying at a great old age, having contributed a lot to the growth and development of Nigeria.
Professor Nwabueze’s legacy as an exemplary Nigerian and quintessential Igbo man lives on. His intellectual rigor eternally etched into his writings will resist even the rigor of death.
It would not befit such a global icon to say that the iroko tree has finally crumbled. Rather, the more fitting story is of an evergreen tree that will remains fresh no matter the season.
There are some lights that even the fiercest gales cannot put out. While Nigeria must nurse what is indeed a profound sense of loss at the passing of a national treasure, the country must earnestly pray that a similarly refulgent light is kindled for it soon, lest it recedes into oppressive darkness.
Ike Willie-Nwobu,
Ikewilly9@gmail.com
