Uche, I can’t believe that we just won’t see you any longer. Reminiscing from your years at Gregs, when I was at HCC. I remember vividly when you used to visit your cousins Dellia &Dillis and all the jokes you used to crack with Dellia in particular at their home, still there at Surulere. I remember our trips to the JAMB office at Hawksworth Rd, at Ikoyi where we had to forbear with a cleaner who yelled and said” some of us had double admission. Fortuitously, our paths crossed again at Unilag and the Law School, Lagos. You stood out amongst your peers but notwithstanding you maintained your modest disposition at all times. The last time I saw you, you performed brilliantly at the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division. I could go on forever.I thank God for your impactful life. May your soul rest in perfect peace
Silvia Aninye
5 months ago
Uche my cousin it is so sad that we shall not see each other anymore I know you are in a better place . Good bless you and your family. Remembering all those years in Lagos when I was on vacation in Lagos while in school and being able to take your advice regarding my education and when you came to see in Atlanta as well. We will never forget you and will always love you.
Ifeyinwa momah
5 months ago
When a knight won his spurs in the stories of old
He was gentle and brave, he was gallant and bold
With a shield on his arm, and a sword in his hand
For God and for valour, he rode through the land.
Uchenna Gregory Nwokedi, Prince of Amukabia Achalla, Knight of the Catholic Church, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Playwright, Author, Musical Producer, Publisher, Karate Black Belt and erstwhile President of the Karate Federation of Nigeria, husband, father, brother,…..and a dear friend.
Uchenna was an unpretentious, self contained, disciplined, and very private man. If he could speak from the other side of the great divide, he would be saying, don’t get carried away ifeyinwa. But the dead no longer own themselves, they belong to us, those left to mourn their passing. And I will heap on him the praise and accolades he would have brushed aside in life, but which he so richly deserved.
For all his quiet modest exterior, Uche was in truth, a warrior. In the best possible sense of that word. Peace loving, he nevertheless engaged with life’s many challenges with an indomitable spirit. If you looked for his trouble you would find it. His faith was strong, his courage steely, his sense of duty unrelenting. His love of God and his commitment to the Catholic Church was matched only by his devotion to his wife and children in whom he took such joy. I liked to tease him, calling him Martha’s son, that he was the man every woman would like her son to become.
In the forty years that I had the privilege of Uches’ friendship, he acquired a very special place in my heart. Uche strived always to do good, to identify and do the right thing. There was no time that he was not actively involved, championing some cause, battling through some special project or another. For this church or that, for the monastery, for his beloved village, Achalla, for his family, the Nwokedi clan, for his Playhouse group, script and song writing, with his memoir and his book of prayer, writing and rewriting to perfect them. He approached his legal advocacy like a general going to war, often employing combat terminology in describing legal strategy. As he often said to me on many a matter, ‘relax, leave it with me, they wont know what hit them’. And they often did not. And through it all, battling his many health challenges, great and small, with little complaint, always grateful to God.
The very last time I saw Uche, towards the close of 2023, he sat at his work laden desk in Lagos, his chair tipped back, and he said in that quiet way of his….’I am so tired. I feel exhausted. I would love to just go somewhere far away, where the weather is nice, maybe a cool sea breeze, and just do nothing for a while, just sit’. Just go I said. Drop everything and go. Yeah….maybe I will.
Rest in peace, Uchenna, Martha’s son. God bless and keep you always. God grant you wonderful weather, a cool breeze, eternal rest. Till we meet again.
My deepest condolences to Winifred, Uches beloved wife, and his children Chuba, Olisa, and Adiba. Your sorrow must be immeasurable. For you I pray these words will remain ever true…..’unable are the loved to die, for love is immortality’.
Small Oby (Onyiuke)
5 months ago
My heart is broken. I miss you so much Uncle Uche. No one can come close to my ‘Uncle uche’ i remember saving so hard to buy the first perfume I knew about ‘Issey Myaki’ because anytime you gave me a hug the perfume would stay on for so long. I honestly cannot believe I am writing a tribute to you. Thank you for being a great uncle and dad to me. Thank you for all the love. I will never ever get over this and I wish you were here. I promise to look after my cousins especially little Adaiba. Rest well, until we meet again. I love you forever.
MAXWELL OKEKE
4 months ago
Uche,This is heart breaking for me.In more than 40 years I only saw you once during uncle Roys funeral and I never saw you again.The last time I spoke to you,you were on your way to London and I just came back to Nigeria to bury my mother and you promised to get in touch with me as soon as you come back.I never believed I will not see or speak to you again.Your demise have left me with a jaw drop.I remember all we did when we were young playing in front of your house in pound road and when your father will drive us to Aba club for swimming and money for fish and chips.With all those our friends and family,greg,Florence,Ifeoma,Raymond ,The ikeotuonyes,The Dikes,The MBAKWE’s,i can go on and on.I bet they will all be crying when they hear about your demise.I still remember all the memories and stories you used to tell me and IFEANYI about life in Lagos back in the days,you were really my champion and will always be.I’m going to miss you so much,you will always be my inspiration and my favorite cousin.It was unfortunate that I didn’t get the opportunity to meet your family and I know you were a good father.RIP my beloved brother.We shall see again to part no more.ADEUS my brother.MAXWELL OKEKE
Jude Anyigbo
4 months ago
About 29 or 30 June, a mutual friend of ours sent me this shocking message regarding Uche’s demise. Devastation was an understatement. I lost appetite and in the next couple of hours the thought of Uche filled my mind.I was numb and a feeling of melancholy invaded my being.My mind went immediately to his only daughter ,knowing how close she was to Uche and was therefore wondering how she could be coping at this time.I visited with Uche recently at his Lekki office principally to have him autograph his latest book on the Biafran war.At the time, on a Saturday, one of his sons,I guess, Chuba came in from London and they were at the middle of a brainstorming session on a case coming up in London. So, I spent about 5 minutes and left.I did not know it was my last time! On this day in question, Uche never gave any sense of ill health. He was naturally a strong guy, a black belt holder in karate.By the way, he introduced me to karate which I attended the practice about three times and ran away.
By the way, I was introduced to Uche by my boss and brother,Dr.ABC Orjiako in 1994. Uche was one of our lawyers and he played significant role in our litigation with the government which we eventually won at the Supreme Court! I admired Uche’s calmness and the little smile at the corner of his mouth especially when he was up to some mischief.Uche loved his heritage as a noble Igbo man.The Igbo in particular and Nigeria in general have lost a gem.Only God knows why He had to call him back at this time.I pray for God to comfort his wife Winnie and the children, including the larger Nwokedi family.May Uche Nwokedi’s soul rest in peace,Amen
Tunde Sodade
4 months ago
I extend my condolences to everyone mourning the loss of Uche. It has been a profound and emotional journey for me, filled with moments of disbelief and reflection. A painful, disquieting and solemn rollercoaster of denial and sobriety.
Uche was a truly remarkable man, consistently displaying discipline and trustworthiness . I had the privilege of knowing him for over four decades, and like many others in his circle of friends, I can attest to the admiration and respect he earned through his successful journey in life.
Uche’s definition of success was rooted in his unwavering pursuit of personal growth until his last breath. It seems he had made a conscious decision long before I met him, to die as the best possible version of himself. A testimony to his upbringing and pedigree. He achieved this whilst leaving a lasting impact on those who knew him.
Uche was not only my confidant but also the person I turned to when faced with challenges. My “go to” guy when threatened with getting my knickers twisted ! His presence alone would guide me out of difficult situations. He embodied strength, character, courage, and honesty. If you knew him well, a thought about how he would react in a tight spot could get you on your way out of it.
He was a counselor to counselors, a true brother and friend.
His life and passing offer valuable lessons to us all.
One lesson is to remain humble. Uche’s demeanor never revealed the extent of his accomplishments. Despite achieving great things and acquiring material possessions, he did not live for these fleeting rewards. Instead, he lived and died for his name, his children, his wife, his family and friends. His reputation, his profession, his art and his afterlife. It is these aspects of him that we will remember the most as well as his gentle and soothing voice, his wise and selfless disposition, and the unwavering confidence he instilled in those who had the privilege of having him by their side.
Another lesson is the importance of loyalty in friendship. Regardless of the brevity of your interaction with Uche, it would be challenging to recall a moment of deceit, betrayal or schlenter. He simply did not have time for such.
Uche’s passing was as dignified and courageous as his life. He did not make a fuss; instead, he faced death with courage and grace.
As we seek solace in God during this time of bereavement, may Uche’s soul be forever illuminated by the perpetual light, guiding him through the darkest valleys of death.
He will be deeply missed by all, especially Winifred, his children and extended family. I pray for strength and comfort for them during this challenging period.
Adieu! Proud and worthy son of Achalla.
Tunde Sodade
Mgbanwune Andrew Ikechukwu
4 months ago
You touched the lives of countless people, both directly and indirectly, and your smiles were like beacons of light to us and the people of Achalla. Though you are no longer with us, your impact will forever remain in our hearts. May your gentle soul rest in peace. We miss you deeply, but God loves you even more.
Engr Funsho Kupolokun
4 months ago
UCHENNA GREGORY NWOKEDI
Over the years, one may be privileged to meet some great thinkers. Uche was one such person.
From the day I met him he became my legal adviser on a number of relevant issues.
I will forever continue to remember his wise counsel and advice at difficult times. I came to rely on his well considered advice and sound wisdom for many years.
My thoughts are with his family for their loss at this critical time in their lives. He has left them far too soon.
Even as he matched on to glory and despite the pain of his departure to me , his associates, his family in particular, we should take solace in that this erudite and accomplished lawyer is resting at the bosom of The Lord and believing that his legacies and dreams live on.
Ekene Chuks-Okeke
4 months ago
I first met Uncle Uche in 2013 when I was a student at the Nigerian Law School. For six weeks, I was an extern at his law firm, Uche Nwokedi & Co. I remember being so impressed in my first week by this uncle I’d just met. The quiet location of the building at 9 Military Street felt fancy, and from the conference room in front of his office where I worked, I could hear the jazz and classical music he played while he worked.
Uncle Uche was not just a lawyer but also a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), an arbitrator, and an expert in oil and gas law. He published law reports in the field, paying forward his expertise. My externship experience was amazing and was half the reason I finally committed to being a lawyer. It wasn’t just because of his accomplishments in the law, but because of my experience of him as a person.
Watching him work in arbitration proceedings showed me early on that being a good advocate is not about being the loudest. You can make your case simply and plainly, as long as it makes sense. Seeing that he loved music and was a patron of the arts was also very inspiring and affirming for me. Knowing he made time for his creative side through theater, music, and television was immensely valuable representation for me. It taught me that there are many ways to be a lawyer and that success in the field doesn’t mean conforming or ignoring everything that makes you unique.
Later on, when he told me he was writing a memoir about his childhood experience of the Biafran War, I was again fascinated by his many talents (what couldn’t he do?!) and of course wowed by the book when I read it.
Uncle Uche’s life and career truly made a deep impression on me that I intend to carry forward. I didn’t just admire him from afar—he was kind, stayed in touch, and made time to check in and offer advice at pivotal moments in my legal career, such as deciding to pivot from full-service practice to specialize in IP and deciding to go back to grad school. For making the time for me, for being there, I will be ever grateful to him.
It hurts that his time on earth wasn’t long enough, but as the saying goes, it’s not about how long we live, but how well. Uncle Uche lived WELL, and I am deeply grateful for the moments we shared and the impact he had on my life. My heartfelt condolences go out to the entire family during this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace, amen.
Uchenna Nwokedi
4 months ago
Senior, Odogwu Nwanne m, – I have struggled to write this tribute; it is so difficult to say goodbye. You were more than just a cousin- you were a father figure, a mentor to my siblings and me. I remember vividly when I saw you in our country home in Achalla 4 months before your demise and the jokes we shared. Life is indeed transient!! No doubt- You departed too early and left a big vacuum but we take solace in knowing that you are in a better place. Though you are no longer with us, your spirit will continue to live on in the lives you touched and the hearts you warmed. The lessons you imparted, the love you shared, and the example you set will remain with me forever.
Goodbye, dear cousin and namesake. Your legacy will endure, and your memory will be cherished always. Thank you for everything.
Olatundun Aihie
4 months ago
The sudden and devastating passing of Mr. Uche Nwokedi has left a profound sadness in the hearts of many who knew him and even for those of us who never met him. I first heard about Mr. Nwokedi from my sister, Yinka Olatunbosun, a journalist with THISDAY Newspaper. She had done a feature on his musical play, “Kakadu,” which captured my interest. Later, my sister gifted me his memoir, “A Shred of Fear.” I was captivated by his unique style, balancing what seemed like a tragic narration with humour, making it an unforgettable read.
When I received my PhD scholarship, I was unprepared for the financial implication that accompanied the move to the UK with my autistic son. The cost was overwhelming, and my sister and I found ourselves scrambling to gather the necessary funds. In a moment of rare and desperate hope, my sister suggested that we reach out to Mr. Uche Nwokedi for help. Despite never having met him, I was too desperate to refuse. To my astonishment and immense gratitude, this gentleman, who did not know me from Adam, sent me half a million naira without hesitation and without asking for repayment.
His generosity and kindness were not just acts of charity but a lifeline that helped me pursue my lifelong dream. Two people who played significant roles in my life and have been of tremendous inspiration to me on my academic journey tragically passed away in June 2024. I believe June must be a special month designated by God to call His finest warriors home.
Mr. Uche Nwokedi’s legacy of compassion, talent, and selflessness will forever be remembered. When I eventually complete my PhD programme, it will be dedicated to the memories of you, Mr. Nwokedi, and my dearest mother. Rest well, God’s warrior. Your impact on my life and many others will never be forgotten.
Ngozi Nkwoh
4 months ago
Dear ‘Uncle’ Uche,
It has been very difficult to believe the news, much less to write a tribute. You were many things to many people: a legal luminary, brilliant artist, mentor, benefactor and philanthropist extraordinaire. Above all, you were a beloved son, brother, husband, father, uncle and friend.
Your sister and I have been crying together, painfully trying to grapple with your loss. We are left to pick up the pieces and console your family, I pray God to grant you eternal rest and give your family the fortitude to bear this great loss. Uncle Uche Farewell and REST in PEACE. AMEN!
Funke Aboyade SAN
4 months ago
Senior Advocate of Nigeria,
Creative Artist
Author
Publisher
Karateka
Uche, thank you for the times together, the laughter, and that great smile of yours. The Lord our God will strengthen and comfort the beautiful family you have left behind. May your soul rest in peace with the Lord our God.
Yinka Olatunbosun
4 months ago
Remembering Uche Nwokedi
I still remember the day I received this copy. It was a mind-blowing experience for me. In fact, two of my editors called me when they received their copies.
“I didn’t know you were that close to him.”
My imagination went wild.
Not that close. We only talked on the phone a few times in a year. And I would get a random invitation to his Lekki office every now and then. Of course, I didn’t understand the affection because I had never met anyone of his ilk or pedigree that would want to have a wholesome intellectual conversation that wasn’t meant for a newspaper. Even if I did, I always maintained a very respectable distance – and that I did.
I was always quiet around him. I studied him with intensity. I couldn’t fathom the relationship he was trying to sustain since I first had that interview with him, at the foyer of Agip Hall, MUSON Centre.
For sure, he was always excited about his creative works. First, it was Kakadu the musical. My younger self was a hardline critic. His first show…I told him straight in the face that it was too long, too slow-paced. I didn’t even think of all the efforts he had made into creating a masterpiece that would later be exported to Switzerland and South Africa. He made sure I saw it at South Africa’s biggest theatre, the Nelson Mandela Theatre, Johannesburg in 2017 and I gave him that ‘five-star rating’ that the production deserved- verbally.
I only stood him up once when I got an invite from him that clashed with my scheduled interview with Yinka Shonibare then MBE. I stuck with my Shonibare appointment but my lawyer-author-friend played the bigger person by sending me all the episodes of his TV series E.V.E. that I failed to watch on DSTV and review even after he had persistently called me to do so.
It all came to me in a purple-coloured flashdrive- sent by a courier to catch me somewhere along Ozumba Mbadiwe road where I was waiting hopelessly for Shonibare to appear. I felt bad. Very bad that I considered Shonibare more important than a meeting with him. But it turned out to be a good decision- as the cover for that week’s art page was dropped suddenly and Shonibare story came to the rescue.
Back to this book- I heard about it first from one of those close door meetings. It always felt like a secret service briefing because I was always warned not to disclose anything we discussed. Privileged information.
I was curious though.
“Why are you doing this?”
I was wondering why he was writing a childhood memoir and like Kakadu, it was Biafra war-themed.
“I will be 60 in…”
I tried to pay attention to what he wasn’t saying. But nothing registered really till now. He told me that many people who saw the civil war are dead or soon to die. And it’s important to document history for generations to come.
Of course, he wasn’t planning on stirring up old sentiments but he was worried about the backlash that the book could get.
I told him what Athol Fugard did after the heinous crime against humanity called Apartheid in South Africa. He set on the journey of healing through his post-Apartheid plays. We talked about his target audience. The language. Overall emotion. Trauma and retraumatisation.
And then the use of humour.
He took his cue from there and kept on writing. I admired his doggedness because he had a very busy work life.
Even when I failed to show up at his father’s funeral in Anambra, he invited me to his office to tell me how it all went.
“…and a goat.”
That got me laughing really hard. The thought of him taking a goat to his community ahead of the funeral plans only affirmed how much respect he had for the Igbo culture. He showed me some pictures…
I knew I missed out. I tried not to sweat it. Of course, I knew there were many sides to the man and he probably had a very eclectic taste in music like I do. He took a picture with Ludacris- and I was pleasantly surprised when I saw it on Facebook.
He was full of surprises and warmth.
He was human.
And even though he is gone, his voice still resonates in his book, ‘A Shred of Fear.’
Holding it in my hands now, it feels like a parting gift. A perfect parting gift.
Uche, I can’t believe that we just won’t see you any longer. Reminiscing from your years at Gregs, when I was at HCC. I remember vividly when you used to visit your cousins Dellia &Dillis and all the jokes you used to crack with Dellia in particular at their home, still there at Surulere. I remember our trips to the JAMB office at Hawksworth Rd, at Ikoyi where we had to forbear with a cleaner who yelled and said” some of us had double admission. Fortuitously, our paths crossed again at Unilag and the Law School, Lagos. You stood out amongst your peers but notwithstanding you maintained your modest disposition at all times. The last time I saw you, you performed brilliantly at the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division. I could go on forever.I thank God for your impactful life. May your soul rest in perfect peace
Uche my cousin it is so sad that we shall not see each other anymore I know you are in a better place . Good bless you and your family. Remembering all those years in Lagos when I was on vacation in Lagos while in school and being able to take your advice regarding my education and when you came to see in Atlanta as well. We will never forget you and will always love you.
When a knight won his spurs in the stories of old
He was gentle and brave, he was gallant and bold
With a shield on his arm, and a sword in his hand
For God and for valour, he rode through the land.
Uchenna Gregory Nwokedi, Prince of Amukabia Achalla, Knight of the Catholic Church, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Playwright, Author, Musical Producer, Publisher, Karate Black Belt and erstwhile President of the Karate Federation of Nigeria, husband, father, brother,…..and a dear friend.
Uchenna was an unpretentious, self contained, disciplined, and very private man. If he could speak from the other side of the great divide, he would be saying, don’t get carried away ifeyinwa. But the dead no longer own themselves, they belong to us, those left to mourn their passing. And I will heap on him the praise and accolades he would have brushed aside in life, but which he so richly deserved.
For all his quiet modest exterior, Uche was in truth, a warrior. In the best possible sense of that word. Peace loving, he nevertheless engaged with life’s many challenges with an indomitable spirit. If you looked for his trouble you would find it. His faith was strong, his courage steely, his sense of duty unrelenting. His love of God and his commitment to the Catholic Church was matched only by his devotion to his wife and children in whom he took such joy. I liked to tease him, calling him Martha’s son, that he was the man every woman would like her son to become.
In the forty years that I had the privilege of Uches’ friendship, he acquired a very special place in my heart. Uche strived always to do good, to identify and do the right thing. There was no time that he was not actively involved, championing some cause, battling through some special project or another. For this church or that, for the monastery, for his beloved village, Achalla, for his family, the Nwokedi clan, for his Playhouse group, script and song writing, with his memoir and his book of prayer, writing and rewriting to perfect them. He approached his legal advocacy like a general going to war, often employing combat terminology in describing legal strategy. As he often said to me on many a matter, ‘relax, leave it with me, they wont know what hit them’. And they often did not. And through it all, battling his many health challenges, great and small, with little complaint, always grateful to God.
The very last time I saw Uche, towards the close of 2023, he sat at his work laden desk in Lagos, his chair tipped back, and he said in that quiet way of his….’I am so tired. I feel exhausted. I would love to just go somewhere far away, where the weather is nice, maybe a cool sea breeze, and just do nothing for a while, just sit’. Just go I said. Drop everything and go. Yeah….maybe I will.
Rest in peace, Uchenna, Martha’s son. God bless and keep you always. God grant you wonderful weather, a cool breeze, eternal rest. Till we meet again.
My deepest condolences to Winifred, Uches beloved wife, and his children Chuba, Olisa, and Adiba. Your sorrow must be immeasurable. For you I pray these words will remain ever true…..’unable are the loved to die, for love is immortality’.
My heart is broken. I miss you so much Uncle Uche. No one can come close to my ‘Uncle uche’ i remember saving so hard to buy the first perfume I knew about ‘Issey Myaki’ because anytime you gave me a hug the perfume would stay on for so long. I honestly cannot believe I am writing a tribute to you. Thank you for being a great uncle and dad to me. Thank you for all the love. I will never ever get over this and I wish you were here. I promise to look after my cousins especially little Adaiba. Rest well, until we meet again. I love you forever.
Uche,This is heart breaking for me.In more than 40 years I only saw you once during uncle Roys funeral and I never saw you again.The last time I spoke to you,you were on your way to London and I just came back to Nigeria to bury my mother and you promised to get in touch with me as soon as you come back.I never believed I will not see or speak to you again.Your demise have left me with a jaw drop.I remember all we did when we were young playing in front of your house in pound road and when your father will drive us to Aba club for swimming and money for fish and chips.With all those our friends and family,greg,Florence,Ifeoma,Raymond ,The ikeotuonyes,The Dikes,The MBAKWE’s,i can go on and on.I bet they will all be crying when they hear about your demise.I still remember all the memories and stories you used to tell me and IFEANYI about life in Lagos back in the days,you were really my champion and will always be.I’m going to miss you so much,you will always be my inspiration and my favorite cousin.It was unfortunate that I didn’t get the opportunity to meet your family and I know you were a good father.RIP my beloved brother.We shall see again to part no more.ADEUS my brother.MAXWELL OKEKE
About 29 or 30 June, a mutual friend of ours sent me this shocking message regarding Uche’s demise. Devastation was an understatement. I lost appetite and in the next couple of hours the thought of Uche filled my mind.I was numb and a feeling of melancholy invaded my being.My mind went immediately to his only daughter ,knowing how close she was to Uche and was therefore wondering how she could be coping at this time.I visited with Uche recently at his Lekki office principally to have him autograph his latest book on the Biafran war.At the time, on a Saturday, one of his sons,I guess, Chuba came in from London and they were at the middle of a brainstorming session on a case coming up in London. So, I spent about 5 minutes and left.I did not know it was my last time! On this day in question, Uche never gave any sense of ill health. He was naturally a strong guy, a black belt holder in karate.By the way, he introduced me to karate which I attended the practice about three times and ran away.
By the way, I was introduced to Uche by my boss and brother,Dr.ABC Orjiako in 1994. Uche was one of our lawyers and he played significant role in our litigation with the government which we eventually won at the Supreme Court! I admired Uche’s calmness and the little smile at the corner of his mouth especially when he was up to some mischief.Uche loved his heritage as a noble Igbo man.The Igbo in particular and Nigeria in general have lost a gem.Only God knows why He had to call him back at this time.I pray for God to comfort his wife Winnie and the children, including the larger Nwokedi family.May Uche Nwokedi’s soul rest in peace,Amen
I extend my condolences to everyone mourning the loss of Uche. It has been a profound and emotional journey for me, filled with moments of disbelief and reflection. A painful, disquieting and solemn rollercoaster of denial and sobriety.
Uche was a truly remarkable man, consistently displaying discipline and trustworthiness . I had the privilege of knowing him for over four decades, and like many others in his circle of friends, I can attest to the admiration and respect he earned through his successful journey in life.
Uche’s definition of success was rooted in his unwavering pursuit of personal growth until his last breath. It seems he had made a conscious decision long before I met him, to die as the best possible version of himself. A testimony to his upbringing and pedigree. He achieved this whilst leaving a lasting impact on those who knew him.
Uche was not only my confidant but also the person I turned to when faced with challenges. My “go to” guy when threatened with getting my knickers twisted ! His presence alone would guide me out of difficult situations. He embodied strength, character, courage, and honesty. If you knew him well, a thought about how he would react in a tight spot could get you on your way out of it.
He was a counselor to counselors, a true brother and friend.
His life and passing offer valuable lessons to us all.
One lesson is to remain humble. Uche’s demeanor never revealed the extent of his accomplishments. Despite achieving great things and acquiring material possessions, he did not live for these fleeting rewards. Instead, he lived and died for his name, his children, his wife, his family and friends. His reputation, his profession, his art and his afterlife. It is these aspects of him that we will remember the most as well as his gentle and soothing voice, his wise and selfless disposition, and the unwavering confidence he instilled in those who had the privilege of having him by their side.
Another lesson is the importance of loyalty in friendship. Regardless of the brevity of your interaction with Uche, it would be challenging to recall a moment of deceit, betrayal or schlenter. He simply did not have time for such.
Uche’s passing was as dignified and courageous as his life. He did not make a fuss; instead, he faced death with courage and grace.
As we seek solace in God during this time of bereavement, may Uche’s soul be forever illuminated by the perpetual light, guiding him through the darkest valleys of death.
He will be deeply missed by all, especially Winifred, his children and extended family. I pray for strength and comfort for them during this challenging period.
Adieu! Proud and worthy son of Achalla.
Tunde Sodade
You touched the lives of countless people, both directly and indirectly, and your smiles were like beacons of light to us and the people of Achalla. Though you are no longer with us, your impact will forever remain in our hearts. May your gentle soul rest in peace. We miss you deeply, but God loves you even more.
UCHENNA GREGORY NWOKEDI
Over the years, one may be privileged to meet some great thinkers. Uche was one such person.
From the day I met him he became my legal adviser on a number of relevant issues.
I will forever continue to remember his wise counsel and advice at difficult times. I came to rely on his well considered advice and sound wisdom for many years.
My thoughts are with his family for their loss at this critical time in their lives. He has left them far too soon.
Even as he matched on to glory and despite the pain of his departure to me , his associates, his family in particular, we should take solace in that this erudite and accomplished lawyer is resting at the bosom of The Lord and believing that his legacies and dreams live on.
I first met Uncle Uche in 2013 when I was a student at the Nigerian Law School. For six weeks, I was an extern at his law firm, Uche Nwokedi & Co. I remember being so impressed in my first week by this uncle I’d just met. The quiet location of the building at 9 Military Street felt fancy, and from the conference room in front of his office where I worked, I could hear the jazz and classical music he played while he worked.
Uncle Uche was not just a lawyer but also a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), an arbitrator, and an expert in oil and gas law. He published law reports in the field, paying forward his expertise. My externship experience was amazing and was half the reason I finally committed to being a lawyer. It wasn’t just because of his accomplishments in the law, but because of my experience of him as a person.
Watching him work in arbitration proceedings showed me early on that being a good advocate is not about being the loudest. You can make your case simply and plainly, as long as it makes sense. Seeing that he loved music and was a patron of the arts was also very inspiring and affirming for me. Knowing he made time for his creative side through theater, music, and television was immensely valuable representation for me. It taught me that there are many ways to be a lawyer and that success in the field doesn’t mean conforming or ignoring everything that makes you unique.
Later on, when he told me he was writing a memoir about his childhood experience of the Biafran War, I was again fascinated by his many talents (what couldn’t he do?!) and of course wowed by the book when I read it.
Uncle Uche’s life and career truly made a deep impression on me that I intend to carry forward. I didn’t just admire him from afar—he was kind, stayed in touch, and made time to check in and offer advice at pivotal moments in my legal career, such as deciding to pivot from full-service practice to specialize in IP and deciding to go back to grad school. For making the time for me, for being there, I will be ever grateful to him.
It hurts that his time on earth wasn’t long enough, but as the saying goes, it’s not about how long we live, but how well. Uncle Uche lived WELL, and I am deeply grateful for the moments we shared and the impact he had on my life. My heartfelt condolences go out to the entire family during this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace, amen.
Senior, Odogwu Nwanne m, – I have struggled to write this tribute; it is so difficult to say goodbye. You were more than just a cousin- you were a father figure, a mentor to my siblings and me. I remember vividly when I saw you in our country home in Achalla 4 months before your demise and the jokes we shared. Life is indeed transient!! No doubt- You departed too early and left a big vacuum but we take solace in knowing that you are in a better place. Though you are no longer with us, your spirit will continue to live on in the lives you touched and the hearts you warmed. The lessons you imparted, the love you shared, and the example you set will remain with me forever.
Goodbye, dear cousin and namesake. Your legacy will endure, and your memory will be cherished always. Thank you for everything.
The sudden and devastating passing of Mr. Uche Nwokedi has left a profound sadness in the hearts of many who knew him and even for those of us who never met him. I first heard about Mr. Nwokedi from my sister, Yinka Olatunbosun, a journalist with THISDAY Newspaper. She had done a feature on his musical play, “Kakadu,” which captured my interest. Later, my sister gifted me his memoir, “A Shred of Fear.” I was captivated by his unique style, balancing what seemed like a tragic narration with humour, making it an unforgettable read.
When I received my PhD scholarship, I was unprepared for the financial implication that accompanied the move to the UK with my autistic son. The cost was overwhelming, and my sister and I found ourselves scrambling to gather the necessary funds. In a moment of rare and desperate hope, my sister suggested that we reach out to Mr. Uche Nwokedi for help. Despite never having met him, I was too desperate to refuse. To my astonishment and immense gratitude, this gentleman, who did not know me from Adam, sent me half a million naira without hesitation and without asking for repayment.
His generosity and kindness were not just acts of charity but a lifeline that helped me pursue my lifelong dream. Two people who played significant roles in my life and have been of tremendous inspiration to me on my academic journey tragically passed away in June 2024. I believe June must be a special month designated by God to call His finest warriors home.
Mr. Uche Nwokedi’s legacy of compassion, talent, and selflessness will forever be remembered. When I eventually complete my PhD programme, it will be dedicated to the memories of you, Mr. Nwokedi, and my dearest mother. Rest well, God’s warrior. Your impact on my life and many others will never be forgotten.
Dear ‘Uncle’ Uche,
It has been very difficult to believe the news, much less to write a tribute. You were many things to many people: a legal luminary, brilliant artist, mentor, benefactor and philanthropist extraordinaire. Above all, you were a beloved son, brother, husband, father, uncle and friend.
Your sister and I have been crying together, painfully trying to grapple with your loss. We are left to pick up the pieces and console your family, I pray God to grant you eternal rest and give your family the fortitude to bear this great loss. Uncle Uche Farewell and REST in PEACE. AMEN!
Senior Advocate of Nigeria,
Creative Artist
Author
Publisher
Karateka
Multifaceted keen-minded personable dignified calm generous compassionate pedigreed exemplar
Knowing you has been an honour. Good night.
Uche, thank you for the times together, the laughter, and that great smile of yours. The Lord our God will strengthen and comfort the beautiful family you have left behind. May your soul rest in peace with the Lord our God.
Remembering Uche Nwokedi
I still remember the day I received this copy. It was a mind-blowing experience for me. In fact, two of my editors called me when they received their copies.
“I didn’t know you were that close to him.”
My imagination went wild.
Not that close. We only talked on the phone a few times in a year. And I would get a random invitation to his Lekki office every now and then. Of course, I didn’t understand the affection because I had never met anyone of his ilk or pedigree that would want to have a wholesome intellectual conversation that wasn’t meant for a newspaper. Even if I did, I always maintained a very respectable distance – and that I did.
I was always quiet around him. I studied him with intensity. I couldn’t fathom the relationship he was trying to sustain since I first had that interview with him, at the foyer of Agip Hall, MUSON Centre.
For sure, he was always excited about his creative works. First, it was Kakadu the musical. My younger self was a hardline critic. His first show…I told him straight in the face that it was too long, too slow-paced. I didn’t even think of all the efforts he had made into creating a masterpiece that would later be exported to Switzerland and South Africa. He made sure I saw it at South Africa’s biggest theatre, the Nelson Mandela Theatre, Johannesburg in 2017 and I gave him that ‘five-star rating’ that the production deserved- verbally.
I only stood him up once when I got an invite from him that clashed with my scheduled interview with Yinka Shonibare then MBE. I stuck with my Shonibare appointment but my lawyer-author-friend played the bigger person by sending me all the episodes of his TV series E.V.E. that I failed to watch on DSTV and review even after he had persistently called me to do so.
It all came to me in a purple-coloured flashdrive- sent by a courier to catch me somewhere along Ozumba Mbadiwe road where I was waiting hopelessly for Shonibare to appear. I felt bad. Very bad that I considered Shonibare more important than a meeting with him. But it turned out to be a good decision- as the cover for that week’s art page was dropped suddenly and Shonibare story came to the rescue.
Back to this book- I heard about it first from one of those close door meetings. It always felt like a secret service briefing because I was always warned not to disclose anything we discussed. Privileged information.
I was curious though.
“Why are you doing this?”
I was wondering why he was writing a childhood memoir and like Kakadu, it was Biafra war-themed.
“I will be 60 in…”
I tried to pay attention to what he wasn’t saying. But nothing registered really till now. He told me that many people who saw the civil war are dead or soon to die. And it’s important to document history for generations to come.
Of course, he wasn’t planning on stirring up old sentiments but he was worried about the backlash that the book could get.
I told him what Athol Fugard did after the heinous crime against humanity called Apartheid in South Africa. He set on the journey of healing through his post-Apartheid plays. We talked about his target audience. The language. Overall emotion. Trauma and retraumatisation.
And then the use of humour.
He took his cue from there and kept on writing. I admired his doggedness because he had a very busy work life.
Even when I failed to show up at his father’s funeral in Anambra, he invited me to his office to tell me how it all went.
“…and a goat.”
That got me laughing really hard. The thought of him taking a goat to his community ahead of the funeral plans only affirmed how much respect he had for the Igbo culture. He showed me some pictures…
I knew I missed out. I tried not to sweat it. Of course, I knew there were many sides to the man and he probably had a very eclectic taste in music like I do. He took a picture with Ludacris- and I was pleasantly surprised when I saw it on Facebook.
He was full of surprises and warmth.
He was human.
And even though he is gone, his voice still resonates in his book, ‘A Shred of Fear.’
Holding it in my hands now, it feels like a parting gift. A perfect parting gift.