Tributes are pouring in as news about the death of Khrushchev Ekwueme continues to send shock waves across Nigerian legal circles.
Khrushchev a Partner in Dispute Resolution Practice at the law firm of Olaniwun Ajayi LP is a member of the Expert Group of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) on Transboundary Infrastructure Projects in Africa. A former student of The Hague Academy of International Law and Visiting Researcher at the Harvard Law School, Khrushchev specializes in International Economic Law, and International Dispute Resolution, International Commercial Arbitration, Public Interest Litigation, and White Collar Crime Prosecution.
Fluent in German, Khrushchev is the author of Protection of foreign investment in context: Nigeria’s investment laws, treaties and petroleum agreements, and various articles. His knowledge development sessions for judges of the Lagos State Federal High Court and Justices of the Court of Appeal are widely acclaimed.
While the cause of his sudden death is yet to be formally established, Khrushchev Ekwueme reportedly slumped at his law firm’s End-of-Year party and was rushed to the First Cardiology Hospital in Lagos where he was later confirmed dead.
One of his closest friends, Hon. Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of Nigeria’s Federal High Court captured his feeling with these words. “A star on earth left to rejoin the galaxy. This was not only my brother but a deeply treasured friend. He was my biggest and strongest cheerleader. His frame could not habituate any sentiment or emotion that’s not pure – no space, no matter how tiny, for envy, bitterness, hatred, or any such dark clouds; ever quick to forgive – like our Christ (yes, he was Christ’s follower). I watched as he rose, from ABSOLUTE NOTHING to what God has chosen us to be. When he was low, he carried it with grace and dignity (you could never tell from the outside the storms that brewed within); and when he was high as the Lord Himself chose to give, he carried himself with humility and with even greater grace. I never saw a human so complete like my brother and my friend Dr. KUK Ekwueme. Our hearts are filled with the deepest sorrow, broken to pieces. Yet, we must not fail, and indeed do thank the Lord God for the gift of such a wonderful personage; the God whose name is mercy. We trust His mercy to come through at this very hour because it is needed in abundance. Adieu my brother and my friend KUK, as you gaze down upon us from your place among the galaxy, and with that twinkle in your eyes. Our love for you will never wane. Adieu!”
“The law & humanity has lost a Supernova”, Konyin Ajayi, Chairman of the Advisory Board at Nasarawa State Investment & Economic Advisory Council announced on his LinkedIn page. Ajayi who was the first to post a tribute on LinkedIn wrote: “The untimely & shocking departure of Dr. KUK Ekwueme. A most distinguished international scholar, commanding advocate, brilliant Solicitor, highly regarded and well respected – just as he was respecting. A moving library, a great orator wonderful friend. Good night.”
Senior Partner, Kenna Partners, Professor Fabian Ajogwu, SAN.
“Deeply deeply saddening. A good man has gone, and way too soon and sudden. A refined gentleman, Dr. KUK Ekwueme practised law with the fear of God. He did so in the finest traditions of the Bar. He was warm and respectful to all he came across. Our deepest condolences to his beloved family and to our colleagues at Olaniwun Ajayi LP. Ndo nu. May KUK’s gentle soul, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Uche Val Obi SAN, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and Managing Partner at Alliance Law Firm.
This is a loss of a dear brother and friend of over 3 decades. I’m still in shock. Words have failed me this time. KUK was a first-class lawyer, urbane, witty, warm, humane, loyal, and with a large heart. He was so full of positive aura and always with a charming smile that diffuses all manner of tensions. I just can’t imagine what the family should be going through at this point given the way we are feeling already. The world has certainly lost a very good man. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace, Amen.
Omowumi Fajemiroye (ACIS), Company Secretary at Tropical General Investments (TGI) Group
“This hurts badly. It came as a rude shock. I still can’t believe. Thanks for all you did whilst under your leadership in OA. You made working in DRP easy for me. I can’t forget the last conversation we had when I was leaving. It was deep and profound. K.U.K you were an exemplary leader. I remember how you used to call me “Mrs. Fajem! Ah, Dr. Kru even though I am no longer in OA you made it a point of duty to always call to find out how I was doing. Those few minutes were always reassuring. You will be greatly missed. Rest in peace.”
Orji A. Uka, Dispute Resolution | Arbitration | Litigation |
“When I heard the news last night, I refused to believe it and hung on to the faint hope that it would turn out to be untrue. Dr. Kru was a quintessential gentleman and an outstanding legal mind who touched many lives. His 2005 seminal work on Investment Law in Nigeria proved very vital to my LLM dissertation research. May his soul rest in peace, and may the good Lord grant you, the OAL family as well his family and friends, the fortitude to bear such a colossal loss.”
