Honourable Justice Esohe Frances Ikponmwen was a Chief Judge of Edo State. Justice Ikponmwen was called to the Nigerian Bar on July 17, 1979. She began her legal career as a State Counsel in the Ministry of Justice, Bendel State, rising to Principal State Counsel by 1991. She gained extensive experience in Public Prosecutions and Civil Litigation, benefitting from mentorship by esteemed legal icons. Justice Ikponmwen honed her skills through advanced courses, including the 7th Advanced Course in Civil Litigation at the University of Lagos in 1987. She is a member of several professional bodies such as the International Bar Association (IBA) and the National Association of Women Judges (NAWJ). In this interview, she sheds light on judgment writing and how lawyers can ethically deploy social media for career success.

The book Judgment Writing, what inspired you to write it? Was there a specific moment in your career that made you realize this book was needed?

I never thought I would write this book. The book came about after a lecture I delivered at Benson Idahosa University. It was their first Public Lecture in the new law theater which they named after me. The lecture was so well-received probably because of the sub-title, The Judgment of Pontius Pilate on Our Lord Jesus Christ. After I delivered that lecture, someone from Ireland wanted me to give permission for him to develop the book. But I turned that down because I wasn’t quite sure what he intended to do with it or what I could potentially do with it myself.

Sometime after the lecture, Miss Gladys Omage came around and I discussed the lecture with her. I gave her a copy and asked, “Could a book come out of this lecture?” She responded positively, and said she would collaborate with me. She even suggested doing a book launch. I initially hesitated, saying, “I don’t know people like that.” But she reassured me. It was her encouragement that made the book a reality, and I’m very happy with the result.

As someone who has served as a Chief Judge, did you ever feel pressure to get every judgment perfect? How did you handle the weight of making these decisions?

I think there should be no pressure in delivering any judgment. Writing a judgment should come as a natural flow from the case you have handled in court. While some people may feel invested in the outcome of a decision and may experience pressure, that pressure is theirs, not the court’s. At every given time, I believe a court or a judge should remain focused when writing a judgment. The decision should be made without being influenced by pressure from any quarter, whether external or internal.

Concerning your other book, How to Become a Classic and Trending Lawyer, with the evolving nature of the legal profession, how does a lawyer maintain relevance, especially in this social media era?

The title of the book, How to Become a Classic and Trending Lawyer, was carefully chosen to emphasize the importance of continuous learning, self-improvement, and innovation in the legal field. A lawyer should naturally strive to be classic to achieve success. Being a classic lawyer means adhering to the rules of the profession, possessing deep knowledge and expertise, and embodying the qualities of a gentleman— a person whose word is their bond. These are enduring and essential qualities of a successful lawyer.

On the other hand, becoming a trending lawyer involves adapting to modern advancements like artificial intelligence and social media. A lawyer must understand how to effectively use these tools to enhance their practice while maintaining professionalism. It’s not just about being popular or visible online but also about leveraging innovation to stay relevant and excel in the profession. However, there are boundaries to observe. A lawyer must not offend the rules of professional practice while engaging with social media or using technological advancements. The goal is to remain professional and uphold the standards of the noble legal profession while being innovative and forward-thinking.

In today’s social media age, we see many lawyers posting videos online where they give tips on understanding citizens’ rights, often in an engaging or entertaining style. Some use platforms like Facebook to introduce themselves and educate the public, while others create content to attract attention to their profession. Do you think this approach is valid? Should more lawyers consider adopting this style to make their careers more dynamic and to better connect with society? How do you think lawyers can strike a balance between maintaining professionalism and using social media as a tool for enlightenment?

That thin line must always be drawn. In those days, we had a judge or Justice who, while sitting on the bench, had a popular television programme where dramatized court settings were aired. We all used to tune in, and it was both entertaining and enlightening. The society needs enlightenment, and who better to provide that enlightenment than lawyers?

Social media is one of the best tools to educate the public quickly about their rights. People long for tips on what to do, especially because every day we see instances of people’s rights being trampled upon. Many don’t know what to do, where to go, or even how to access a lawyer. For instance, some services like free legal advice through the Ministry of Justice exist, but many are unaware of them. This lack of information often leads to misconceptions about lawyers, such as the fear of high fees. Social media can bridge this gap by making people aware of their rights and how to access legal help.

However, while using social media, lawyers must maintain professionalism. They must ensure their content doesn’t cross ethical boundaries or mislead the public. At the same time, they should use these platforms creatively and effectively to inform and engage with the society they serve.

How can lawyers balance creating content and following legal conduct codes in an age where social media is key?

To be a classic, trending lawyer, you must respect boundaries. Social media’s power is real, but confidentiality is non-negotiable. AI tools like Meta and Google can guide you on using social media wisely. A lawyer’s ethics come first — no client’s details should be shared without consent. Those who ignore this risk discipline from the legal practitioners’ committee.

What is involved in a judge’s decision-making process?

Judgment is a solemn responsibility, much like resolving conflicts at home; one side will always feel (he) lost. It takes clarity, courage, and fairness to ensure justice. No judge should prejudge a case, as Pontius Pilate did, but must consider all facts before deciding. Every case needs jurisdiction — without it, no judgment holds. And in court, an accused should stand without restraints, to feel the freedom that justice promises. At the heart of it, every decision should satisfy that justice has truly been served.

Have you ever wished to change a judgment after delivering it?

No regrets. I always ensure every decision is sound, clear, and honest. For instance, a case from my community in Benin required transparency; I offered to transfer it, but both lawyers trusted me. After judgment, we don’t look back! it’s official, like a pilot’s duty. In my valedictory, I shared that while I’ve had sobering cases, especially sentencing, I remind my children that the Supreme Court has the final say. Once a decision is made, it’s the law, not a personal verdict.

PROFILE OF HIS LORDSHIP, HON. JUSTICE ESOHE FRANCES IKPONMWEN

The Honourable Justice Esohe Frances Ikponmwen was born on the 22nd day of November, 1954 to the family of Mr. Anthony Uwuigbe Okuonghae and Mrs. Dianah Oritsejolone Okuonghae (nee Onaghise Ede) – both now deceased. Her father, the senior twin to the late Mr. Gregory Onasemwenkhai Okuonghae, was the son of a police man, Mr. Erhunmwunse Okuonghae from Enyaengie, lgun and Isiemwenro in Oredo Local Government Area, while his mother, Mrs. Aikpitanyi Okuonghae (nee Ovtowe) of Ekekhen in Igueben Local Government Area. On the other hand, his Lordship’s maternal grandfather, Mr. Onaghise Ede, a boat repairer or engineer (as her mother would want to call him), was from Uteh in Ikpoba-Okha area but lived all his adult life in Warri where he met her maternal grandmother, Madam Titi Magbeyiteren Ede of Ejutshe family Okere Warri. It is not surprising that it was in Warri that his Lordship’s father, working as a Sanitary Inspector, met and married her mother. Between her parents, they have nine children – Asemota, Esohe, ltohan, Adeyan Osadolor Amenaghawon, lyobosa, Oghogho and Aiwerioghene Tosan. It is on record that His Lordship, being the first daughter, was privileged and pampered in that her dad’s first wife, the late Madam Noruwa Osunde, had no children for him for the many years before they were born.

His Lordship was never spoilt by the pampering she got from her dad who always drove her to Secondary School during resumptions and breaks, whether for midterm or long holidays. The only time she recalls taking a taxi home throughout her years in Anglican Girls’ Grammar School, Ughelli (1966 – 1970) and High School in Government College, Ughelli (1971–1972) was when the school was shut down abruptly in 1968 due to infiltration of Biafran soldiers into the State.

His lordship recalls her father doing everything possible to make her comfortable at school. In her days in Primary Schools in Warri and Sapele (1960–1965), her siblings and herself were the only ones and or among the very few that wore socks and sandals to school. Mrs. Tosan Inko-Tariah, her friend from primary school, recalls with nostalgia how they used to tease her for wearing shoes to school. Her Lordship remembers taking off her shoes soon after being dropped off in school by her dad in order to be like other children who had no shoes.

His Lordship excelled in her education and in 1974, was admitted to read Law in the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus. She bagged a 2nd Class Lower Division Degree in 1978.

His Lordship was admitted to the Nigerian Bar on 17th July, 1979. She performed the National Youth Service Corps. In 1980, she was employed as a State Counsel Gd. 11 in the Bendel State Ministry of Justice and rose to the position of Principal State Counsel in 1991. She served in the Departments of Public Prosecutions and Civil Litigation after attending the 7th Advanced Course in Civil Litigation in the University of Lagos in 1987. She relishes the period spent in the Ministry of Justice where she was groomed for the task ahead by legal icons such as Hon. Justice G. E. Edokpayi, her DPP; Hon. Justice G. O. U. Okungbowa, her Director of Civil Litigation and also DPP; Hon. Justice J. O. Omorodion, her Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary; Hon. Justice S. O. Elaiho (Attorney General), Hon. Justice S. F. E. Akhigbe (her Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary), and several others including her senior colleagues like the Hon. Justice Tinu Akomolafe-Wilson, JCA; Hon. Justice Rita Nosakhare Obaseki-Pemu, JCA; Mrs. Dupe Ojo, retired DPP and Permanent Secretary; Princess Dr. Chief Ododo Irene Odaro, retired Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary; Mrs. Bridget Nwaka, and Hon. Justice Adama Iyayi Lamikanra, now Chief Judge Rivers State.

His Lordship recalls with nostalgia her prosecution of cases before judicial icons like the Hon. Justice J. O. Aluyi in Agbor High Court, especially the case of the State V James Ovia & Another and Hon. Justice J. O. Maidoh in Auchi High Court in the case of the State V Chief M. C. K. Orbih & Ors among numerous other cases.

At the creation of Edo State, there was a dearth of Magistrates in the judiciary. Justice Ikponmwen was appointed Chief Magistrate Grade 1, serving in Benin City and Abudu. She was Administrative Magistrate in Court No. 1 and was Vice Chairman, Magistrates’ Association from 1992 to 1997 – becoming Chairman when Mr. S. A Ehiemua, Chief Magistrate Grade 1, retired from service. In 1999, his Lordship was appointed to the High Court Bench and served in Benin, Ekpoma and Auchi Judicial Divisions. She was in 2002 assigned as ICPC and later EFCC Judge for Edo State, and remained so till her appointment as Chief Judge. She has served the nation as Chairman, Yobe State Election Petition Tribunal; Chairman, Edo State Local Government Election Appeals Tribunal, and Chairman, Personnel Management Board (Management Staff Committee) of Edo State Judiciary. His Lordship has attended several seminars, workshops and training on the job both locally and internationally. She has many awards and is a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International.

She is a member of some professional bodies like International Bar Association, National Association of Women Judges, International Association of Women Judges, and J. Reuben Clark Law Society. She has been married to Chief Edward Osawaru Ikponmwen (JP, FNIM, mni) for over 40 years. The marriage is blessed with five children, namely Imuwahen, Osahon (deceased), Isoken and Esosa (Twins) and Ifueko and her nine grand-children. She has fostered some children like Oghogho, Franca and Odion. Her membership of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is cherished by her.

• CREDIT: FOI Counsel

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