Fearless Advocacy: Legal Luminaries Hail Akpamgbo; Say He Handled 300+ Appellate Matters, 1,000 Trial Court Cases

By Our Correspondent

A cross-section of legal luminaries has extolled the immeasurable contributions of Sir Clement Akpamgbo, describing him as an exemplary figure who lived his life as a true advocate and champion of justice.

They spoke at the maiden Sir Clement Akpamgbo Memorial Lecture organised by the Faculty of Law, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, in conjunction with Friends and Associates of the late legal icon.

The event, held at the ASUU Secretariat, drew legal practitioners, including Senior Advocates of Nigeria, law teachers, academics and other dignitaries who gathered to honour his legacy.

Declaring the event open, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof Bond Anyaehie, described it as a fitting tribute to the life and legacy of the renowned lawyer, whose commitment to promoting access to justice remained a shining example.
“He was a fearless advocate for the marginalised and a passionate defender of the law. As we reflect on his legacy, we are reminded of the critical role we, as members of the legal profession, must play in promoting access to justice in Nigeria,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof Hilda Osisioma, noted that the late Akpamgbo embodied the ideals every lawyer should strive for, urging practitioners to emulate his footsteps.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Emeka Ngige, SAN, said the lecture was conceived to preserve and celebrate Akpamgbo’s legacy, noting that he handled landmark advocacy and politically significant cases.

Reflecting on his life and times, Ngige described him as a mentor who nurtured successful legal professionals before his passing about 20 years ago, adding that he lived a life of service to others.

Delivering the lecture titled “Role of Advocacy in Promoting Access to Justice in Nigeria,” the Guest Speaker, Chief Chris Uche, SAN, said Akpamgbo’s emphasis on advocacy continues to resonate within the nation’s legal practice.

He described access to justice as a foundational element of the rule of law, which must be available not only to the wealthy but also to ordinary citizens and underserved communities.

“Pro bono service, community lawyering, legal literacy, strategic public interest litigation and procedural reform remain vital to bridging the gap between the people and the courts.

“Access to justice will not emerge from statutes or slogans alone. It will come from institutions that work, courts that command confidence, and advocates who combine skill, courage and integrity in the service of justice,” he said.

According to him, Akpamgbo’s example serves as a reminder that advocates must not be governed by fear or favour, warning that “justice suffers whenever counsel becomes timid in the face of power.”

He disclosed that during his career, the legal icon handled over 300 prominent appellate cases and more than 1,000 cases at trial courts across the country.

“Sir Clem’s advocacy traversed constitutional law, political disputes, public law, commercial litigation and criminal justice,” he added.

Contributing, Senator Ben Obi recounted how Akpamgbo defended his senatorial case against IK Abana pro bono, describing him as one of the nation’s finest legal minds, widely respected by the bench.

Earlier, in her welcome address, the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Prof Felicia Anyogu, highlighted the enduring qualities of the late legal icon, describing him as a visionary leader and passionate advocate for justice.

“The Faculty of Law building, which bears his name, is a testament to his enduring impact on our university. We honour his memory and reaffirm our commitment to the values he embodied—professionalism and service to humanity,” she said.

The event featured the presentation of awards and a panel discussion, highlighting his lifelong efforts to uphold the dignity of the legal profession.