Tributes have continued to pour in following the death of top oil and gas lawyer, playwright and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Uchenna Gregory Nwokedi, SAN.
Uche Nwokedi was the son of late Justice of the Supreme Court and one-time Chief Judge of old Anambra State, Hon. Justice Paul K. Nwokedi (JSC). They were from Achalla in Anambra State.
Eulogizing the deceased attorney on his X (formerly Twitter) page, Lawyer, historian, filmmaker, Nze Ed Emeka Keazor sad: “Received the sad news of the death of my friend + senior colleague Uche Nwokedi, SAN. We’d been deep in plans to host a book discussion on his memoir – ‘A Shred of Fear’, sadly postponed, serially for reasons now evident. A brilliant lawyer and playwright (‘Kakadu’). Truly sad …”
Nigerian diplomat, politician, author Oseloka Obaze also expressed grief over the passing of the Senior Advocate.
“What do you say of good man? Words are insufficient &few adjectives cut it. Uche Nwokedi was a rare breed;a man of multiple utility; unbridled charisma, quiet mien, genuine bonhomie & engulfing gravitas. He was diligent n martial art, law, parenting & friendship. RIP my friend!
Nwokedi SAN, died on Friday June 28, 2024 in London, United Kingdom (UK). He was 64 years old.
According a statement signed by Mr. Olumide Sofowora, SAN, Uche Nwokedi was an alumnus of St. Gregory’s College, Mayfield College, and the University of Lagos, where he successfully obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Law – LLB(HONS).
His professional journey commenced as a Legal Counsel at Ashland Oil (Nigeria) Company from October 1984 to October 1985.
Subsequently, he joined the esteemed law firm of Chief Rotimi Williams’ Chambers as an Associate Counsel for a period extending from January 1986 to October 1991 serving for a period of 4 years and 10 months. In October 1991, Mr. Nwokedi SAN founded the legal practice of Uche Nwokedi & Co, Legal Practitioners, where he served as the Principal Counsel until his recent passing.
Mr. Uche Nwokedi, SAN, was widely recognized as a preeminent commercial lawyer, renowned for his expertise in commercial litigation and international commercial arbitration. His advocacy skills earned him the reputation of being a ‘calm and extremely persuasive advocate’ as acknowledged in the Legal 500 Euromoney’s Guide to the World’s leading Energy and Natural Resources Lawyers (Legal 500). Additionally, he was the Editor-In-Chief and Publisher of Nigerian Oil and Gas Cases, a comprehensive compilation of oil and gas case laws in Nigeria.
Beyond his legal illustriousness, Mr. Nwokedi, SAN, was a passionate enthusiast in the field of entertainment. Noteworthy among his endeavors was the acclaimed musical production, Kakadu the Musical, which garnered critical acclaim on its tours in Nigeria, Davos Switzerland, and South Africa. Through his youth development foundation, The Playhouse Initiative, Mr. Nwokedi SAN mentored young talents through music and drama, fostering meaningful communication and development. The Playhouse Initiative has presented various successful musicals in Nigeria, such as Jesus Christ Superstar, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, under license from the Really Useful Group, and other enthralling productions including recitals and choral concerts.
Mr. Nwokedi, SAN, was the creative force behind the renowned M-Net Africa Magic legal TV drama series, “E.V.E: Audi Alteram Partem”, which garnered accolades and nominations. He contributed insightful opinions on socio-political matters to several national dailies in Nigeria. With a keen interest in sports and sports development, he held the prestigious title of a third-degree Black Belt in Shotokan Karate and served as the President of the Karate Federation of Nigeria from 2001 to 2005.
Noteworthy among his literary works is “A Shred of Fear”, Mr. Nwokedi’s poignant memoir that encapsulates a child’s experiences during the Biafran War. Written in evocative prose, the narrative strikes a delicate balance between heartwarming and tragic, depicting the challenges faced during the war and the subsequent struggles for reconciliation.
Mr. Uche Nwokedi leaves behind his loving wife and three children.
In this time of profound grief, we offer our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones, and we pray for the solace and eternal peace of Uche Nwokedi, SAN and Nwokedi, SAN and our departed colleagues. Amen.
Further details regarding the funeral arrangements will be communicated promptly upon receiving information from his family.
