Raphael Ede, Enugu

A former Chief Judge of Enugu State,  Hon. Justice Innocent Umezulike, has died.

Reports revealed that Justice Umezulike, a Professor of Property Law, died at a private hospital in London, United Kingdom, on Tuesday.

Umezulike was the Chief Judge of Enugu State for over 13 years making him the longest serving Chief Judge in the state and the second longest serving Chief Judge in the history of Nigeria.

Justice Umezulike was an acclaimed legal luminary on Conveyancing, Adverse Possession, Land and Property Law haven single-handedly authored and published over 23 books in these fields.

Longest serving Chief Judge in South Eastern Nigeria and the second longest serving Chief Judge in Nigeria.

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Late Umezulike while he was alive held several positions and awards which include: “Distinguished Justice of Enugu State High Court for over 23 years; Appointed by the Federal Government of Nigeria to serve at the Supreme Court of Gambia in 1997; Conferred with the Order of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (OFR); President and Chairman Failed Banks Tribunal Zone 6 Nigeria.

“Chairman Visitation Panel to Enugu State University of Science and Technology; Chairman judicial panel of inquiry on land distribution and allocation in Enugu state; Chairman judicial inquiry on adoration ground tragedy; Chairman Judicial Service Commission (JSC); Chairman Comprehensive Judicial Inquiry on Land distribution in Enugu State; Sub-Dean Faculty of Law, Nnamdi Azikiwe University and Visiting Professor of Property Law, Ebonyi State Nigeria.

Other positions held: “Visiting Professor of Property Law, Enugu State University of Science and

Technology; Secretary, National Committee for the Unification of Criminal Laws of Northern and Southern Nigeria; Secretary Ministerial Committee for the Revision of the Land Use Act.

Although his family could not be reached for confirmation, as the family was said to have requested for privacy and respect at this very difficult time, close relations confirmed the late CJ demise.