Kenna Partners celebrates judicial excellence
A retired Supreme Court Justice, Samson Uwaifo has emphasised the need for law to be interpreted with courage, integrity and wisdom.

According to him, the true legacy of a judge lies not just in the decision they made but in the wisdom they leave behind for future generations to build upon.

Uwaifo made this assertion during his book launch titled: “A Legacy of Jurisprudential Wisdom and Substantive Justice.”

The book with a total of 14 chapters and a comprehensive 1,574-page collection which presents 119 carefully selected landmark judgments by the author spanning across various courts and areas of law, is divided into two volumes, edited and published by CLDS Publishing Limited.

Uwaifo said the book encapsulates a significant portion of his judicial journey, offering insights into the judgments he delivered, the principles he upholds, and the values that guided him.

Speaking at the launch, Justice Uwaifo reflected on his judicial philosophy, stating: “When writing judgments, I approach each case with an unwavering commitment to fairness, justice, and the rule of law. My mindset was always to ensure that the law was applied correctly, clearly, and consistently, while also remaining sensitive to the broader societal implications of the decisions.

“I believe that judgments were not just for the immediate practices for the court, but also for the society that looks to the judiciary as the custodian of justice and the protector of rights.

“Each judgment was an opportunity to strengthen the legal framework, clarify ambiguities, and contribute to the development of our jurisprudence. My goal was always to write with clarity and precision, so that leaving behind every division could stand as a beacon of legal guidance, accessible to both legal professionals and ordinary citizens alike.

“I sought to interpret the law in a way that was both just and enduring, mindful of the precedent it would set and its potential to shape future legal landscapes.

“In this book, you will find not just the judgments themselves, but also the thought processes and principles that inform them. I hope that it will serve as a resource for legal practitioners, scholars, and anyone passionate about justice and the law.”

The book reviewer, Professor Fabian Ajogwu (SAN) whose commercial law firm, Kenna Partners, joined the broader legal community to celebrate the book, said the book is a remarkable tribute to the author.

Represented by Mr. Val Obi (SAN), Ajogwu said these judgments showcase profound insights into Justice Uwaifo’s judicial philosophy, exceptional legal acumen, and unflinching commitment to justice.

“More than just preserving his lawsuit’s legacy, this two-volume work serves as an inspiration for further generations of judges and legal practitioners, ensuring that his lordship influence endures in the pursuit of justice,” he said.

Ajogwu explained that volume one unfolds a single path comprising nine chapters and focuses on his lordship judgments in civil litigation, constitutional law, property law, and administrative law.

His words: “It’s a testament to the vast legal expertise of his lordship, honourable Justice Uwaifo. The second volume of this meticulous compilation further explores illegal precedence. Unlike volume one, which focuses on substantive law, volume two is divided into four parts and five chapters, offering a comprehensive examination of procedural law.

“This volume unfolds across various areas, including practice and procedure in civil litigation, criminal law and procedure, and pre-election/ election matters. Each section provides an intricate tapestry of legal wisdom, reinforcing Justice Uwaifo’s vast contributions to Nigeria’s jurisprudence and legal life.”

He explained further that Part A of Volume Two delves into the core of practice and procedure in civil litigation.

These volumes, he said, not only celebrate Honorable Justice Uwaifo’s intellect and humanity but also serve as an enduring beacon for legal practitioners and scholars dedicated to the pursuit of justice.

“His Lordship’s contribution to the legal profession as preserved in these pages will continue to inspire and guide future generations,” he said.

Earlier in his opening remarks, former Edo State governor and event chairman, Senator (Prof) Oserheimen Osunbor lauded Justice Uwaifo stating that he is very well-known, particularly amongst the senior members of the bar and the bench.

“He spent about 30 years or so on the bench and he established himself as someone who has a very burning passion for delivering justice and for protecting the weaker members of the society.

“This passion runs through his years as a legal practitioner and on the bench, rising from the High Court to the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.

“Those who have had the opportunity of reading his judgments can attest to this fact that he goes all out to ensure that outside of the ordinary letter of the law, he ensures that at the end, justice in the real sense of the term is delivered.”

The governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the remarkable work pays tribute to the life, career, and enduring impact of an exceptional jurist.

Sanwo-Olu who was represented by the Secretary of the State government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin said Justice Uwaifo is a beacon of integrity, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to justice.

“Throughout his illustrious career, he stood as a steadfast advocate for fairness, equality, and the rule of law. Justice Uwaifo exemplifies the values of integrity, diligence, and compassion that are the pillars of our judiciary.

“His landmark judgment, whether in complex constitutional matters, commercial disputes, or human rights cases, leaves an indelible mark on Nigeria’s legal landscape.

“His legacy is not merely a collection of legal precedents, but a testament to the power of principled jurisprudence in shaping a just society and championing the rights and liberties of all individuals,” Sanwo-Olu said.

The event had the presence of many eminent legal professionals, including the former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (the book launcher), Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN); former chairman of Body of Benchers and now a life bencher; Chief Wole Olanipekun(SAN); Chief Mrs Hariat Balogun; Chief Ebun Sofunde (SAN); the Chairman of the Council of Legal Education, Chief Emeka Ngige, (SAN); Dr. Alex Izinyon (SAN); Professor Mike Ozekhome (SAN); Mrs Folasde Alli (SAN) and Mrs. Salu-Hundeyin, the Secretary to the Government of Lagos State.

In his closing remarks, Mr. Omoruyi Omonuwa (SAN) described the occasion as a fitting tribute to the remarkable career of 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.