Polycarp Sola – Abakaliki
It was all tears, tribute, and expressions of grief at the Iphuigwe community in Izzi local government of Ebonyi state on the 14th of February 2025, as late Barrister Vincent Ogbonna Obeji takes his final bow on the earth at a prime age of 51.
During a valedictory court session at the state High Court, Justice Elvis Ngene, the chief justice of the state, who was represented by Justice HN Njoku, described the late Barrister Obeji as a rare breed in the legal profession and sees his demise as a great loss to the legal community.
“We have once again lost a resourceful lawyer, with all the potential and the prospects his career held for his family, and indeed for our dear state, it will amount to stating the obvious.
“To say that the loss is a very painful one, I wish there were a better way of expressing the depth of the grief I feel upon the unfortunate incident, which should never have happened.”.He said.
Sequel to the valedictory court session held to honour the late lawyer at the state high court, his family, friends, and associates all proceeded to his hometown at Iphuigwe, where a funeral mass was held in his compound and subsequent burial.
In his remarks, the immediate younger brother of the deceased, who doubles as the serving chairman of the Abakaliki rice mill industry, Comrade Linus Obeji, said indeed it was a monumental loss not only to his family but to the entire community, as the late Obeji was the shining star of Iphuigwe.
“His death is not only painful but grievous; at his prime age, he bows out to death. This is a monumental loss, not only to our family but to Ebonyi State, because his position belongs to Ebonyi State.
“For someone that has risen to the position of a deputy director at the National Assembly, he would have at least impacted his knowledge and experience on the entire society and Ebonyi state entirely, but death has come, and I feel bad.”. Obeji mourned.
He prayed to God to grant the soul of his brother a peaceful rest as well as prayed for the grace to enable the family to preserve his legacies while assuring that his children would be taken care of and not be exposed to danger by the virtue of their father’s death.
Linus Obeji also disclosed that the late barrister Vincent Obeji, apart from being the first graduate in Iphuigwe, was also the second lawyer that was produced by Ibeagu, saying that he was a man of peace and justice who believed in touching the lives of not only his family and community but even his neighbours and the less privileged.
Mr. Chukwuma Ogbonna Obeji, another younger brother of the late barrister Vincent Obeji, described his death as unexpected and painful, saying that the late barrister Obeji was a philanthropist, his benefactor, who sent him abroad, but regretted that he is not alive to see his success story.
“It’s a very painful exit; we didn’t expect it this time. He was a man full of life, and we regret to announce his premature death. We wish he could have lived on to fulfil his dreams.
“He has left a legacy that cannot be forgotten. I am one of his legacies; he was the one who sent me abroad, but it’s unfortunate that he is not alive to witness the fruit of his labour, but death is inevitable; may he go in peace, and may God’s mercy go with him.”. He said.
Also lending his voice, Chief Tony Mouneke, an associate, while consoling the Obeji family, noted that it was a painful period for the family and advised them to take solace in his legacies and come together as a family to be stronger.
Prince Vincent Idike, a colleague of the deceased at the National Assembly, who’s an acting director, said the death has created a huge vacuum at the legal department of the National Assembly and regretted that his being alive would have made a significant impact on the community and the entire state.
Also speaking, Barrister Alfred Nwizi, the secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association, Abakaliki branch, described the loss as a huge loss to the legal community and prayed for God to give the family and the legal community the fortitude to bear the loss.
Mrs. Anwulika Obeji, an in-law to the late barrister Vincent Obeji, described the death as a painful exit and recalled that the late barrister was a friendly person and an icon whose death has affected the entire family.
Notable among the proceedings of the funeral rites was the handing over of the late lawyer’s wig and gown to his first son, which was performed by Barrister Alfred Nwizi, the secretary of the NBA, Abakaliki branch, as a baton passed to his son to uphold the legacies of his father.
Biography:
Late Barrister Obeji Vincent Ogbonna was a distinguished legal professional whose life was a testament to dedication, resilience, and service.
Born on January 24, 1974, to the family of the late Chief Obeji Nkwuda in the Ibeagu community of Onu-Nwakpu, Izzi Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, Vincent was the eldest of five children.
Early Life and Education
His educational journey began at Akumenyi Primary School in Ogoja, where he earned his First School Leaving Certificate in January 1985.
He pursued his secondary education at Comprehensive Secondary School Mfuma South, Ukelle, Ogoja, graduating with his Senior School Certificate in September 1991.
Driven by his passion for law and justice, Vincent attended the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, where he obtained his Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree with honours in August 1999.
He furthered his education at the Nigerian Law School, earning his Certificate of Call to the Bar in January 2001, thus becoming a barrister of law.
Professional Career
Vincent began his legal career by joining a law chamber, where he honed his skills and gained practical knowledge of his profession. His diligence and expertise paved the way for an illustrious career in public service.
On June 14, 2004, he was appointed as a legal draughtsman at the National Assembly in Abuja.
His commitment and excellence led to a series of promotions.
2008: Senior Legal Draughtsman
2011: Principal Legal Draughtsman
2014: Assistant Chief Draughtsman (Legal)
2020: Assistant Director (Legal Draughtsman)
2023: Deputy Director (Legal Draughtsman)
His contributions to the legal field, particularly in legislative draughting, were both impactful and enduring.
Family Life
On December 30, 2004, he got married, and their union was blessed with children who carry forward his legacy. He was a devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin, and in-law, balancing his professional success with a deep commitment to his family.