By Henry Ojelu
Otu Oka Iwu, an association of legal practitioners of Igbo extraction, has reaffirmed its commitment to unity, communal development and the pursuit of justice in Nigeria.
The resolve was restated at the association’s 2025 Annual Dinner and Award Night held in Lagos, which attracted senior legal luminaries, government officials and leaders of major Igbo socio-cultural organisations.
The event, which also featured the presentation of awards to distinguished personalities, provided a platform for speakers to underscore the determination of Ndi Igbo to preserve their heritage, strengthen communal bonds and uphold excellence within the legal profession.
In his welcome address, President of Otu Oka Iwu, Mr Okechukwu Unegbu, described the gathering as both a celebration of excellence and a reaffirmation of the association’s core values.
“Tonight, we gather to reaffirm our shared commitment to the values that bind us together as custodians of justice, interpreters of the law and ambassadors of the Igbo nation,” Unegbu said.
He commended the award recipients for their professional accomplishments and pledged sustained support for young legal practitioners and advocates of justice.
Chairperson of the Planning Committee, Mrs Augustina Igbokwe, said the association must be repositioned to serve as a rallying point for Ndi Igbo in Lagos. She noted that the awardees symbolised individuals already defending Igbo interests, mediating disputes and mentoring younger professionals.
President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Mr Afam Osigwe, SAN, cautioned against public commentary on ongoing court cases, particularly those involving prominent Igbo figures. He stressed the need to respect the judicial process, noting that communal solidarity must not undermine justice.
“We must respect the judicial process. While unity is important, it must not erode the rule of law,” he said, adding that the Igbo spirit of communal support has helped reduce poverty through collective upliftment.
Abia State Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, who represented Governor Alex Otti, urged Igbo lawyers to uphold integrity and justice, saying they must protect the pride of Ndi Igbo in all spheres of engagement.
On his part, President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Dr Azuta Mbata, spoke of a renewed global pride in Igbo identity, noting that Igbo communities at home and in the diaspora are increasingly embracing their heritage.
He described the Igbo personality as central to Nigeria’s intellectual and entrepreneurial development, while lamenting limited political representation at the highest level.
Highlights of the event included the presentation of awards to several distinguished personalities, among them Dr Monday Ubani, SAN; Chris Okeke, SAN; Lady Debbie Obodoukwu (Life Bencher); Chief Paul Obi, SAN; Emeka Akabogu, SAN; Ernest Ikeji, SAN; Leslie Akujuobi Njemanze, SAN; George Ejie Ukaegbu, SAN; and technology entrepreneur, Leo Stan Ekeh, among others.