Biography – Uche Nwokedi

Uchenna Gregory Nwokedi SAN, KSS, born on May 1, 1960, in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria, lived a life full of achievements and contributions that left a lasting mark on the legal, cultural, and civic landscapes of Nigeria. As the son of the esteemed Hon. Justice P. K. Nwokedi JSC (Rtd) CON and Martha Nneka Nwokedi, Uche inherited a legacy of service, justice, and dedication that he upheld and expanded throughout his life.

Uche’s educational journey was as impressive as it was diverse. His formative years at St. Gregory’s College in Lagos and Mayfield College in East Sussex, England, laid a strong foundation for his future endeavors. Uche’s pursuit of legal excellence led him to the University of Lagos, where he graduated in 1983 with a law degree, followed by his call to the Nigerian Bar in 1984. His relentless commitment to justice and his exceptional legal mind earned him the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2007, a testament to his profound impact on the legal field.

Uche’s professional career was marked by significant milestones and influential roles. He began his legal journey as a Legal Officer at Ashland Oil Company Nigeria in 1984, quickly establishing himself as a formidable legal mind. From 1986 to 1990, he served as Senior Counsel at Chief Rotimi Williams Chambers, one of Nigeria’s leading law firms. In 1990, driven by his entrepreneurial spirit and passion for justice, Uche founded Uche Nwokedi & Co. As the Principal Counsel, he led the firm with distinction, providing top-tier legal services and mentoring young lawyers until his passing.

Beyond his legal practice, Uche was a visionary leader and a dedicated public servant. He served as a Non-Executive Director at First Bank of Nigeria Limited from 2021 to 2024, where his insights and expertise greatly benefited the Credit Committee, Risk Management Committee, and Nominations and Governance Committee. His role as Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of the Nigerian Oil & Gas Cases Volumes 1-10 demonstrated his commitment to advancing legal scholarship and knowledge.

Uche’s contributions extended to national development, where his legal expertise played a pivotal role. He was a member of the Ministerial Committee of Legal Experts, which reviewed Nigeria’s minerals legislation, shaping the current legal framework for solid minerals development. He also served on the Oil and Gas Sector Reform Implementation Committee, contributing to the legal regulatory framework that governs Nigeria’s vital oil and gas sector.

Beyond his legal accomplishments, Uche was a passionate enthusiast in the field of entertainment. His journey began with constructing a church youth group choir, leading to a rousing adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” “Jesus Christ Superstar,” and an original production, “The Vision,” along with various musical revues and recitals. His enthusiasm for mentoring young adults through theatre and music led to the establishment of The Playhouse Initiative, a non-profit organization focused on imparting proper moral and social values through these mediums. The Playhouse is renowned for its acclaimed musical production, “Kakadu the Musical,” which debuted in 2013 and garnered critical acclaim on its tours in Nigeria, Davos, Switzerland, and South Africa. His work in theatre earned him numerous accolades, including the Merit Award from the Ministry of Sports and Youth Development and the title of 2013 Festival Ambassador by NANTAP.

Uche also had a successful stint in television as the creator and producer of M-Net Africa Magic’s first legal TV drama series, “E.V.E: Audi Alteram Partem,” which ran for four seasons and garnered accolades and nominations. He was a regular contributor to Nigerian dailies, sharing his opinions on socio-political matters. With a keen interest in sports and sports development, he achieved a fifth Dan Black Belt in Shotokan Karate and served as the President of the Karate Federation of Nigeria from 2001 to 2005, where he led a team that successfully medaled in the 2003 Africa Games.

Noteworthy among his literary works is “A Shred of Fear,” Uche’s poignant memoir that encapsulates a child’s experiences during the Biafran War, and “Here I am Lord,” a prayer book. Uche was a devout Catholic who made numerous contributions to the church’s development in Nigeria and was knighted by the Papal Knight of St. Sylvester, KSS, by the Catholic Church.

A devoted family man, Uche was married and blessed with three wonderful children. His love for his family was evident in all he did, and his home was a place of warmth, love, and inspiration. Uche’s passing on June 28, 2024, after a long battle with illness, was a profound loss to his family, friends, and the numerous individuals whose lives he touched.

Uchenna Gregory Nwokedi SAN, KSS, lived a life of purpose, passion, and profound impact. His legacy of legal excellence, cultural contributions, and unwavering commitment to justice and development will continue to inspire and influence generations to come. His memory is celebrated by all who had the privilege to know him, and his contributions will forever be cherished.