Legal luminary and human rights activist Prof Mike Ozekhome presented 50 books yesterday to celebrate his 67th anniversary......See Full Story>>.....See Full Story>>
The ‘Who is who’ gathering in Nigeria occurred at the Ladies Kwali Hall of the Abuja Continental Hotel.
Former president Olusegun Obasanjo, chairman of the occasion, described the celebrant, Ozekhome, as an extraordinary man and a radical whose passion is to advocate for social change.
Former president Goodluck Jonathan, co-chairman of the occasion, commended Ozekhome for presenting 50 books but raised the alarm over the deepening political crisis in the country.
He blamed court rulings, which he described as “turning the cone of justice upside down.”
Jonathan, who expressed deep concern over the state of the judiciary and its impact on the Nigerian political landscape, said recent court judgments had thrown the country into disarray.
The former president challenged lawyers on the rationale for giving political party ward leadership the power to remove national leaders.
He said he was worried listening to senior lawyers like Olisa Agbakoba when he described the situation as turning a cone upside down.
Jonathan said, “How things are going in this country, especially judgements regarding politics is disturbing.
“Democracy in this country is like turning a cone upside down. I feel sad when senior lawyers like Olisa Agbakoba comment on Supreme Court judgments. The avalanche of litigations is like Christmas for lawyers, but some advanced countries don’t even go to count after elections. It worries me.
“This is causing so much instability in our political system when a ward chairman can expel a party’s national chairman. This is not in line with natural justice; you can’t tell me that a Head of Department in a university can expel a Vice-Chancellor. All parties are in crisis because of this judgement.
“I am not a lawyer; I know nothing about law, but I’ve never seen a system where a sub-national can discipline a national officer. That judgement has turned the con upside down.”
Reviewing the book, Wole Olanipekun (SAN) said it will undoubtedly enrich the country’s jurisprudence, as it discusses constitutionalism, human rights, anti-corruption, leadership, politics, and governance, among other topics.
In his goodwill message, a traditional ruler, Ogiame Atuwatse III, representative of the Olu of Warri, said, “Lawyers and the Judiciary, stand up and give us justice.”
In his goodwill message, Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, urged the celebrant, Ozekhome, not to relent in his efforts to build a better society.
In his closing remarks, Ozekhome, who recalled his childhood experiences, said, “That little village boy born of village farmers have today brought the cream of society, two past presidents of Nigeria to attend his occasion.
“At 10, I was still tuning necked in the village. Today, the two greatest presidents Nigeria has ever had are honouring me. How well or how much more can God bless me?”
He extolled Obi’s qualities while praising former Jonathan and Obasanjo for their contributions to national stability and the country’s growth.
He praised the book reviewer, Chief Wale Olanipekun, for reviewing 50 books in 15 minutes.
Ozekhome took time to thank the array of dignitaries who attended the occasion.
It gathered who mattered in the legal profession, politics, and social circle.
Prof Mike Ozekhome authored many titles, including The Anti-Corruption Ear: Reality or Fiction, Federalism and its Practice in Nigeria, Fundamental Rights and their Enforcement Volumes 1 and 2, Democracy or Demoncracy?, Constitutionalism and the Constitution Volumes 1, 2, 3, 4, and many others.
Meanwhile, the Oba of Benin, Oba Aware 11, has described Ozekomhe as an epitome of handwork, dedication, Edo Nigeria, and humanity.
The Benin monarch stated this in an interview with ThisNigeria during the event.
Represented by Chief Useni Elama, the Okaivbiore of Benin Kingdom, and Dr Billy Famous Oseware, the Benin monarch said Ozekomhe is a successful Lawyer, philanthropist, and jolly fellow.
He said, “Ozekhome is a great man, and he is one in a million. Looking at his age of 67, you’ll agree with me that not too many Nigerians may attain this feat.”
“As the monarch of the Benin kingdom, I am proud to say that Ozekhome is a man we are proud of any day, anytime. I think he has a good family, and his 50-book launch is a great feat. We wish him a happy birthday and pray he will continue to live strong and healthy, live a long life, and have better security, to the glory of God.”