By Prof Mike Ozekhome, SAN,OFR,LL.D
Ifeanyi Ejiofor, Esq, is a bubbling and effervescent young man whose knowledge of the law has depth and breadth.I have decided to celebrate him through this short tribute on this remarkable occasion of his 50th birthday. I celebrate a man whose entire life epitomizes courage, resilience, audacity, bravery, empathy and an unwavering commitment to the attainment of justice, fairness, peace and the rule of law. This milestone is not therefore only a celebration of his golden age that turned him into a quinquagenarian, but also a recognition of his relentless dedication to the ideals that define a just, fair and equitable society.
As a counsel to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Ejiofor worked closely with me as the lead counsel. Day and night, we trudged on, occasionally up to 3 am in the morning. He demonstrated extraordinary courage in his advocacy for the rights and freedoms of our client. We worked doggedly for the cause of our client, notching up victory after victory in most of the courts in Nigeria we crusaded his cause before. I witnessed, firsthand, his tenacity of purpose in the face of daunting challenges and threats to his life by people who did not believe in our just cause. Notwithstanding these challenges and threats to his life and property, he remained resolute in his pursuit of justice and human rights.
His many attributes which include unusual resilience, compassion and strong ethical standards, have endeared him to many, including me. This is a testament to his deep conviction- that every individual is entitled to social justice and fair representation regardless of the adversities they face. As an exampler of a deep researcher, his legal prowess and steadfast pursuit of justice not only brought global attention to the plight of his client, but have also underscored the importance of respecting citizens’ rights and upholding the rule of law in a democratic society. Ifeanyi’s sustained good works have inspired many to believe in the possibility of a fair and equitable judicial system, even when the odds initially seem insurmountable.
This handsome dude has carved a niche for himself as a fearless advocate for the oppressed and repressed. I have personally observed that his name has become a household one due to his involvement in the defence of many marginalized communities and individuals whose voices might otherwise have gone unheard. These good deeds have rightly earned him widespread respect both from within and outside the legal community. I know his law firm which is widely respected for its excellence and integrity-( I.C. Ejiofor & Co , Ugochinyere Chambers ). Ugochinere literally means “the treasure my Chi gave me”. I know it as a leading law firm of legal practitioners and Notaries Public, having its headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria, with a branch Office in Nnewi, Anambra State. I have worked closely with it.
Ifeanyi is undoubtedly a beacon of hope to those who strive for genuine peace and social justice. Indeed, his commitment to non-violence and engagement in dialogue as pathways to lasting solutions demonstrates his strong belief in the power of unity and understanding to resolve even the most complex of conflicts. To be specific, the several pro bono services he renders voluntarily, including defending the indigent and hundreds of unarmed citizens unjustly arraigned by the State on baseless grounds have endeared him to many. Ifeanyi is indeed a treasure from his Chi.
Ifeanyi’s many virtues extend beyond legal practice. His unwavering stance on issues of social justice and egalitarianism has not only inspired many but has also contributed to the broader discourse on human rights and the rule of law in Nigeria and beyond. His works thus demonstrate a rare combination of intellectual rigor and moral fortitude-qualities that have made him a beacon of hope for many.
As Ejiofor celebrates this golden milestone, may he find peace and renewed strength and inspiration to continue his noble endeavors. May his days be filled with good health, happiness and the relentless support of those who believe in the values he upholds. On behalf of all who sincerely admire Ifeanyi’s rare courage and dedication to the cause he believes in,I wish him a happy and memorable 50th birthday. May his years ahead be as impactful and inspiring as those behind him. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, IFEANYI.
