On October 29, 2023, Nigeria lost one of its most eminent jurists and constitutional experts, Professor Ben Nwabueze. He was 92 years old. Nwabueze was a pioneer Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, a socio-cultural organization of the Igbo people, and a former Minister of Education and Youth Development. 

He was also a prolific writer and scholar who authored over 60 books and numerous articles on various aspects of law, politics, history, and culture. In this blog post, we will celebrate his life, works, and legacy, and pay tribute to his contributions to the nation and the continent.

Early Life and Education

Ben Nwabueze was born on December 22, 1931, in Atani, Anambra State, Nigeria. He attended St. Patrick’s College, Asaba, and later proceeded to the University of London, where he obtained his Bachelor of Laws degree in 1958. He also earned a Master of Laws degree in 1960 and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in 1964 from the same university. Ben Nwabueze was called to the English Bar in 1959 and became a member of the Inner Temple.

Career

Nwabueze began his career as a lecturer in law at the University of Lagos in 1962. He later moved to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 1963, where he rose to become a professor of law and the Dean of the Faculty of Law. Ben Nwabueze was also the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria between 1976 and 1978. He was appointed as the Minister of Education and Youth Development in 1979 by President Shehu Shagari and served until 1981. He was also a member of the Constituent Assembly that drafted the 1979 Constitution of Nigeria.

Nwabueze was a prolific writer and scholar who authored over 60 books and also wrote numerous articles on various aspects of law, politics, history, and culture. Some of his notable works include Constitutionalism in the Emergent States (1973), A Constitutional History of Nigeria (1982), The Machinery of Justice in Nigeria (1985), Democracy and Prebendalism in Nigeria (1993), Constitutional Democracy in Africa (2004), and The Making of an African Legend: The Biafra Story (2016).

Nwabueze was also an active participant in the political and social affairs of Nigeria and Africa. He was one of the founding members and the first Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, an organization that promotes the interests and welfare of the Igbo people. Nwabueze was involved in several national conferences, dialogues, and initiatives aimed at resolving the political crises and conflicts that plagued Nigeria. He was a staunch advocate of restructuring, federalism, and constitutional reform as means of achieving national unity and development.

Personal Life

Ben Nwabueze was married to Beatrice Nwabueze, who died in 2019. They had six children: Eni, Uche, Chidi, Obioma, Ifeoma, and Chika. He was also a devout Christian and a philanthropist who supported many causes and institutions.

Achievements

Ben Nwabueze was widely recognized and honored for his achievements and contributions to the legal profession and the society. He was the second Nigerian and African holder of a higher doctorate degree in Law by published works, after the late Dr. T.O. Elias. 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 received several awards and honors, including the Nigerian National Order of Merit, the Commander of the Order of the Niger, and the Honorary Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Letters. He was also conferred with honorary doctorate degrees by several universities, including the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, the University of Lagos, the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, and the University of Jos.

Death

Ben Nwabueze died on October 29, 2023, at his home in Enugu. He was buried at his hometown in Atani, Anambra State, after a series of funeral ceremonies and tributes. He was survived by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was also mourned by his colleagues, friends, admirers, and the entire nation.

Controversy And Activism Of Ben Nwabueze

Ben Nwabueze was not only a legal scholar and a constitutional expert, but also a controversial and influential figure in the political and social affairs of Nigeria and Africa. He was involved in several national conferences, dialogues, and initiatives aimed at resolving the political crises and conflicts that plagued Nigeria. He was a staunch advocate of restructuring, federalism, and constitutional reform as means of achieving national unity and development.

Nwabueze was also a strong advocate for the Igbo cause. He, alongside other prominent Igbo sons like Akanu Ibiam, M.I. Okpara, K.O. Mbadiwe, Chief Ugochukwu, P.N. Okigbo and Udoji, co-founded Ohanaeze Ndigbo in 1976, a socio-cultural organization representing the Igbo people. He served as the Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and was actively involved in the negotiations and peace efforts during and after the Nigerian Civil War, also known as the Biafran War.

Nwabueze’s activism and views often brought him into conflict with the authorities and other political actors. He was a vocal critic of military rule, corruption, and human rights violations in Nigeria. He also opposed the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely believed to have been won by Moshood Abiola, and called for the restoration of democracy. He was also a member of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), a pro-democracy movement that challenged the dictatorship of General Sani Abacha.

Nwabueze’s legacy as a legal icon and a champion of the Igbo cause is widely recognized and honored by his colleagues, friends, admirers, and the entire nation. He was a man of immense intellect, integrity, and courage. He was a visionary leader, a prolific writer, and a passionate patriot. He dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice, democracy, and development for Nigeria and Africa. He left behind a rich legacy of scholarship, service, and advocacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.

Conclusion

Ben Nwabueze was a legal icon and a champion of the Igbo cause. He was a man of immense intellect, integrity, and courage. He was a visionary leader, a prolific writer, and a passionate patriot. He dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice, democracy, and development for Nigeria and Africa. He left behind a rich legacy of scholarship, service, and advocacy that will continue to inspire generations to come. He was indeed a rare gem and a national treasure. May his soul rest in peace. Amen.