Otu Oka Iwu, an association of legal practitioners of Igbo extraction, has reiterated its commitment to unity, communal upliftment and justice in Nigeria.

This was restated at the association’s 2025 Annual Dinner and Award Night in Lagos, an event which brought together senior legal luminaries, government officials and leaders of major Igbo socio-cultural organisations.

The event, which also featured the presentation of awards to a number of distinguished personalities, saw a succession of speakers who highlighted the collective resolve of Ndi Igbo to preserve their heritage, strengthen communal bonds and pursue excellence in the legal profession.

In his welcome address, the President of Otu Oka Iwu, Mr. Okechukwu Unegbu, said the event was both a celebration of excellence and a recommitment to the association’s core responsibilities.

His words: “Tonight, we gather to reaffirm our shared commitment to the values that bind us together as custodians of justice, interpreters of the law and ambassadors of the Igbo nation.”

He praised the awardees for achieving excellence in their respective careers, and pledged continued support for young legal practitioners and defenders of justice.

In her remarks, the Chair of the Planning Committee, Mrs. Augustina Igbokwe stated that the time had come to reposition the association to enable it serve as a rallying point for Ndi Igbo in Lagos. She noted that the awardees represented those “already building the walls” by defending Igbo interests, mediating disputes and mentoring young professionals.

The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr Afam Osigwe, SAN, cautioned against public commentaries on ongoing legal matters, particularly those involving prominent Igbo figures.

His words: “When a man is standing trial,” he said in an apparent reference to the case of former Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, ”we must respect the judicial process. We cannot be issuing statements.”

He stressed that while communal solidarity is important, it must not be allowed to undermine the legal process, adding that “We must not imbibe extreme individualism. We keep poverty low in Igbo land because we lift ourselves by lifting others.”

Also speaking, the Abia State Deputy-Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, who represented Gov. Alex Otti, charged Igbo lawyers to embody justice and integrity. “As a body of lawyers from Eastern Nigeria,” Emetu said, ”you must ensure that the pride of Ndi Igbo is protected in every sphere.”

On his part, the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Dr. Azuta Mbata, celebrated what he described as a global resurgence of “Igboness.”

According to him, Igbo communities across Nigeria and the diaspora are increasingly embracing their heritage with pride. “Many tried to hide their identity after the Civil War,” he recalled, “but the time is coming for the total emancipation of our land.”

He described the Igbo personality as ‘the apex of the Nigerian intelligentsia’, while highlighting landmark achievements of Ndigbo in education, commerce and enterprise. He however noted that political representation at the highest levels remained a challenge.

One of the highlights of the day was the presentation of awards to the following dignitaries:
– Dr. Monday Ubani SAN
– Chris Okeke SAN

Lady Debbie Obodoukwu (Life Bencher)
– Chief Paul Obi, SAN
– Mr. Emeka Akabogu SAN
– Ernest Ikeji, SAN
– Leslie Akujuobi Njemanze, SAN
– George Ejie Ukaegbu, SAN
– Adizua Chu-Chu Okoroafor, SAN
– Iteshi Amaechi Fidelis, SAN
– Kelechi Nwaizu, SAN
– Ikechukwu Uwanna, SAN
– Mrs. Chinyere E. Moneme, SAN
– Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN
– Nkwegu Ogbagaegwu Luke, SAN
– Edwin Anikwem, SAN
– Johnson Odionu, SAN
– Udochi Nunny Iheanacho, SAN

• Matthew Echezona Esonanjor, SAN
  – Boniface Chinedu Moore, SAN
  – Christopher Ehumadu Okeke, SAN
  – Chinasa Thelma Unaegbunam, SAN
  – Theodore Okey Ezeobi, SAN
  – Ekele Enyinnaya Iheanacho, SAN
  – Ebere Nwosu and
  – Leo Stan Ekeh.