By Ed Malik, A | ed@ddnewsonline.com | posted 9th february, 2025
The Nigerian legal community is set to honor the esteemed Hon. Justice S.O. Uwaifo, CON, with the launch of a book titled ‘Justice Uwaifo‘ on Wednesday, February 19, at 10:00 AM, at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The publication aims to encapsulate the jurisprudential wisdom and commitment to substantive justice that have defined Justice Uwaifo’s distinguished career.
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Having retired from the Supreme Court over two decades ago, Justice Uwaifo continues to serve as a guiding light in the legal field, inspiring both emerging and established legal professionals. Renowned as a legal authority, speaker, and philanthropist, he remains a vocal advocate for best practices among lawyers and stakeholders.
Published by CLDS PUBLISHING, the book offers readers an intimate look into the thought processes and profound insights behind Justice Uwaifo’s landmark judicial decisions, highlighting his reputation as a fair and firm judge throughout his impactful tenure on the Bench.
The launch event will be chaired by Senator (Prof.) Oserheimen A. Osunbor, a former governor of Edo State, with Professor Fabian Ajogwu, OFR, SAN, serving as the chief reviewer of the book.
Justice Uwaifo’s journey from humble beginnings to the pinnacle of the legal profession stands as a testament to his hard work, strong family values, and unwavering commitment to assisting others. He is affectionately revered as a definitive voice by both practitioners and the public.
According to him; “This book represents not only a culmination of my years on the bench at the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court but also an effort to distill the essence of what I sought to achieve through the art of judicial reasoning. It encapsulates a significant portion of my judicial journey, offering insights into the judgments I delivered, the principles I upheld, and the values that guided me.”
“When writing judgments, I approached 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 believed that judgments were not just for the immediate parties before 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 the reasoning behind every decision could stand as a beacon of legal guidance, accessible to both legal professionals and ordinary citizens alike. “
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“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”, said Justice Uwaifo.
Justice Kumai B. Akaahs, OFR, in his keynote forward to the book, eloquently praised the remarkable contributions of Justice Uwaifo to the growth and refinement of the legal profession in Nigeria. He highlighted Justice Uwaifo’s unwavering dedication, intellectual rigor, and judicial activism, which have played a significant role in shaping the legal landscape.
Through his judgments and commitment to upholding the rule of law, Justice Uwaifo has left an indelible mark on the judiciary, ensuring its evolution into the respected institution it is today, emphasized Justice Akaahs.
“Often described as a Jurist with a unique blend of wisdom and wit, Justice Uwaifo’s rulings and judgments transcend the ordinary, leaving an indelible mark on Nigerian Jurisprudence. His judgments for instance, characterized by their precision, are often punctuated with moments of dry humour—a style that reflects his intellectual confidence and mastery of the law. This ability to convey complex legal principles in a manner that is both clearly understood and memorable has earned him great respect within legal circles and beyond.”
“Throughout his illustrious career, Justice Uwaifo consistently championed the cause of justice, fairness and equity. His dedication to the rule of law was unwavering and his decisions often shaped the course of the Nigerian Legal System in fundamental ways. Whether dealing with intricate constitutional issues, commercial disputes or matters of human rights, his judgments have had a lasting impact on the legal landscape of Nigeria”, said Justice Akaahs.
As part of his enduring contribution to the profession, Justice Uwaifo expresses his desire that the book will “serve as a resource for legal practitioners, scholars, and anyone passionate about justice and the law”, stating that “in this book, you will find not just the judgments themselves but also the thought processes and principles that informed them”, he said.
“I believe that the true legacy of a judge lies not just in the decisions they make but, in the wisdom, they leave behind for future generations to build upon”, declared Justice Uwaifo.
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The publication of this book underscores the vital role that certain books play in both documenting experiences and preserving archival materials. Justice Uwaifo fulfills the role from a legal flank of providing future generations with the tools to understand past priorities and values, helping them discern what is essential to embrace and what may be less significant in professional pursuit.