Whenever we met physically or by telephone, I would call him ‘Chief Dr Unigwe’!

He would reply “Mekus intakus, kedu ije’! The pleasantries and conversation would then follow.

My first contact with Chris Unigwe was sometime in 1984. I was then a student of the Nigerian Law School in Victoria Island Lagos. I was squatting with my elder brother at his flat at Crescent C, 1004 Housing Estate, Victoria Island. At the Law School, we were directed to get from two members of the Body of Benchers recommendations as to our fitness to be Called to the Nigerian Bar as Barristers and Solicitors. We were given the Benchers Form for that purpose. With my form duly completed, I proceeded to the Supreme Court of Nigeria then in Lagos to get the recommendations of any two of the justices of the court who are statutory Benchers.

On reaching there at Tafawa Balewa Square, the person I was directed to meet for the processing of my request happened to be Mr Chris Unigwe. As soon as I introduced myself and disclosed my mission he did not waste time in taking me to the Chambers of Hon Justice Chukwudifu Akunne Oputa and thereafter to the Chambers of Hon Justice Anthony Nnaedozie Aniagolu, both whom after short interviews recommended me by filling their respective columns and signed off. When I was done with the process I returned to Chris’ office and we exchanged contacts. It was then he disclosed that he was living in the same 1004 flats in Victoria Island then allocated to the Federal Civil Servants. From then on, our friendship of over 40 years started.

Every evening I would come to his flat, E-502, at Crescent E, to socialize. Chris was a fantastic host, offering beer and suya to guests and visitors that would throng at his flat every evening. We discussed current affairs, watched football and engaged in other youthful activities. It was there I made so many friends from the relations of Chris coming regularly to pass the night at his residence or those who were squatting in his flat.

His flat was a rendezvous of sorts. Sometimes up to 12 people would pass the night in his 2-bedroom flat. Among friends I met and made at Flat E-502 include Ejike Oranusi (my class mate at the Law School), Rt Hon Ben Chuks Nwosu, Chidi Ngonadi, Consy Nwosu, Chinwe Arinze-Njoku, Robert Anwatu (ROBAN), Dan Ofojetu, Okechukwu Onyeme (now in US), Ambassador Osita Anaedu (now of blessed memory), Jude Anaedu, Senator Ikechukwu Obiora and so many others. Chris was a man of the people.

When I was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1985, Chris was present at a small reception organised by my elder brother at our Flat. When I started my law practice in Lagos after NYSC at Akure, Ondo State Chris became my source of regular supply of freshly delivered judgments of the Supreme Court. At that time law reporting was at a very low stage until Gani Fawehinmi turned things around in 1986. Chris assisted me greatly to be abreast of latest decisions of the Apex Court. When I clocked 5 at the Bar, Chris was on hand to assist in my being appointed a Notary Publlic of Nigeria by then CJN, Mohammed Bello ( now of blessed memory).

When the Supreme Court of Nigeria moved to Abuja, Chris was more or less my contact person, assisting in the filing of court processes or getting fixtues for my cases. When I started my project of applying for the rank of SAN in 2001, Chris was there for me offerings hints on what I should be doing to ensure compliance with the requirements for appointment to the Rank. At my second attempt in 2002 I was successful and Chris was so elated that he joined the Committee of Friends who organised a reception in my honour.

I also recall when Chris wedded Chika (now of blessed memory) in Lagos sometime in 1989, I was a member of his committee of friends who organised his Bachelor’s eve and the wedding reception.

At my own wedding in 2000, Chris flew all the way from Abuja to attend the wedding ceremony. I can go on and on to recall my relationship with Chris. He helped so many lawyers that needed one form of assistance or the other at the Supreme Court. Chris was a lawyer by association. Indeed he got admission twice to read Law at UNILAG, but office work would not allow him attend the course. By virtue of his duties as Executive Officer, Principal Executive Officer and rising to the post of Director, Administration and Special Duties, Chris interfaced with all the Justices of the Supreme Court helping to attend to their personal and official needs. The justices liked him for his hard work, industry, truthfulness and integrity.

Chris was a regular face at the swearing-in-ceremonies of judicial officers at the Supreme Court and at the swearing of new Senior Advocates of Nigeria. He was the one holding the microphone for the person taking the oath of office at the ceremonies. When Chris exited from the Supreme Court in 2018 or thereabout, he had already prepared ahead of his retirement. Like a typical shrewd Nnewi man, he had carefully selected the type of business that would be lucrative and keep him in touch with the legal community. Chris became a Marketing Agent in Nigeria for Ede & Ravenscroft , the famous legal outfitters based in the United Kingdom. Chris was able to market legal outfits to Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Judicial officers of different jurisdictions and to members of Body of Benchers.

When Chris lost his dear wife, Chika some years back he took it in his strides and started playing father-mother role at the same time. He dutifully took his time in the raising of the young children.

Chris was a caring father, never joked with the welfare of his children. Chris ensured that they got the best education he could afford. My last contact with Chris was on Sunday, 28th December, 2025 when we exchanged seasons greetings via WhatsApp. Then the unexpected happened!

Shortly after the Christmas holidays I received a terse WhatsApp message from Consy Nwosu on Thursday January 22nd 2026. It read “What happened to Chris today? How can he die like that?”. I was thrown off balance, severely jolted by the news! Chris Unigwe dead? What happened? I was later told he died after a brief illness in Abuja, leaving his young children as orphans.

We cannot question the Will of God Almighty who had decided to call Chris at this time. My family and I mourn his death. Our thoughts and prayers are with his immediate family, the Unigwe family and Nnewi Community. We have lost a good man! A man who loves helping people! Chris will be sorely missed.

May Chris’ memory continue to be a blessing to his family and to mankind. May God Almighty forgive his transgressions while on this earth. May the soul of Christopher Chukwunonso Unigwe and the souls of other faithful departed rest in the Lord, Amen!

Adieu Sir Chris!
Adieu Chief Dr Unigwe!
Adieu Omefukwu !

Je nkeoma!

Chief Emeka Ngige, SAN, OFR, DSSRS
Ikemba N’Alor
Chairman, Council of Legal Education.

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