Nigerian commercial law firm, Kenna Partners, joined the broader legal community in Lagos to celebrate the launch of a two-volume book collection chronicling the jurisprudential legacy and distinguished career of retired Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Justice Samson Uwaifo on February 19, 2025.

Titled, “A Legacy of Jurisprudential Wisdom and Substantive Justice,” the two-volumed book provides an in-depth analysis of 119 carefully selected landmark judgments of Justice Uwaifo and the key principles that underscored his judicial decision-making during his time at the bench of the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.

The Senior Partner of Kenna Partners, Professor Fabian Ajogwu, OFR, SAN had provided the book review, and was represented by Mr. Val Obi, SAN at the event. The review highlighted the significance of capturing the impactful judicial contributions of Justice Uwaifo and the insightful reasonings that informed his decisions on diverse areas of the law. In his review, Professor Ajogwu commended the meticulous nature of Justice Uwaifo during his time on the bench as reflected in his judgments.

Professor Ajogwu maintained that: “Despite the voluminous documents led by parties at the trial court and the Court of Appeal, as the case may be, His Lordship consistently delivered groundbreaking landmark judgments on profound issues, such as the jurisdictional conflict between the Federal High Court and the State High Court on disputes arising from banker-customer relationship, as pronounced in the case of NDIC v Okem Enterprises, and whether a non-juristic person can sue or be sued, as pronounced in the case of Iyke Medical Merchandise v. Pfizer Inc.”

Professional publisher and development organisation, Commercial Law Development Services (CLDS), played a crucial role in bringing the 1,574-page publication to life. The entity, responsible for editing and publishing the work, furthered its mission to equip legal counsel with the skills necessary to meet the demands of modern commerce by ensuring that the collection not only serves as an academic resource but also a practical reference for practitioners on the precedents laid down by the Honourable Justice.

The event, which was chaired by statesman and former Governor of Edo State, Senator Professor Oserheimen Osunbor, had the presence of many eminent legal professionals including Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, the former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (the book launcher); Chief Mrs Hariat Balogun, formerly, Chairman Body of Benchers and now a life bencher; Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN; Chief Ebun Sofunde, SAN; Chief Emeka Ngige, SAN, the Chairman of the Council of Legal Education; Dr. Alex Izinyon, SAN; Professor Mike Ozekhome, SAN; Mrs Folasde Alli, SAN and Mrs. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, the Secretary to the Government of Lagos State representing the Executive Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu amongst other revered luminaries.

In giving the closing remarks, Mr. Omoruyi Omonuwa, SAN described the occasion as a fitting tribute to the remarkable career of Honourable Justice Uwaifo, stating that the comprehensive documentation of the jurist’s most seminal works would serve as a testament to his enduring legacy and invaluable contribution to the development of Nigeria’s jurisprudence.

Kenna Partners, through its support of the event, reaffirmed its dedication to initiatives that uphold the highest standards of legal practice. By supporting A Legacy of Jurisprudential Wisdom and Substantive Justice, the firm contributes to the preservation of judicial knowledge and the promotion of rigorous legal discourse.