Justice Egbert Udo Udoma, who passed away in 1998, was a man of great intellectual stature and a visionary who saw the need for state creation in Nigeria. He led the team that introduced the language of state creation into Nigeria's political vocabulary. Udoma was a rare, farsighted individual who agitated for political recognition through state creation when it was less fashionable to do so. His efforts ultimately led to the creation of Akwa Ibom State on September 23, 1987.
The author of this article had a memorable encounter with Justice Udoma in the 1990s, when he was working as a journalist at the Weekend Pioneer. The author and his colleague, Ikpong Essienudom, arrived at Justice Udoma's country home in Ikot Abasi, almost an hour ahead of schedule, but were asked to wait patiently as the retired jurist was having his bath and breakfast. This experience taught the author a lesson in patience and respect for the elderly statesman's routines.
Justice Udoma was born on June 21, 1917, and was a man of extraordinary accomplishments, both within the legal circle and as a nationalist. He was a crowned Knight of the British Empire (KBE) and a respected statesman who championed justice for oppressed minorities. His nationalistic activism was influenced by his mother, Madam Adiaha Edem Udo Udoma, who was a prominent woman activist in the then Opobo Division in present Akwa Ibom State.
Madam Adiaha Edem Udo Udoma was tragically murdered by British colonialist police during the 1929 Women's War, an insurrection against arbitrary taxation enforced by the colonial masters. There is a statue in her honor in Ikot Abasi local government area, which serves as a reminder of the fearless opposition by the female gender against colonial brutality. Justice Udoma inherited his mother's activist spirit but chose to conduct his political crusading from a different perspective, abhorring violence and street-side demonstrations.
Justice Udoma's academic laurels, from Nigeria to the United Kingdom, placed him among the world's best. He studied Law at Trinity College, Dublin, where he became the first black president of the University Philosophical Society, known as the Phil. He later earned a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law from Oxford University at the age of 27, becoming the first Nigerian and one of the few black Africans to achieve this feat.
Justice Udoma's historic ascension to office and impactful leadership at the Phil has attracted academic comments and studies beyond Trinity College. In 2022, the Phil established the Udoma Sub-Committee in memory of his achievements, which aims to stimulate discussions and disseminate information on "anti-racism and inclusivity" at the Trinity College. This recognition has indelibly molded Justice Udoma's persona and reputation into the historical fabrics of the global academic community.
Justice Udoma's legacy continues to inspire and influence new generations of Nigerians and Africans. His contributions to the country's development, particularly in the areas of state creation and justice for oppressed minorities, remain invaluable. As a trail-blazing African lawyer and jurist, Justice Udoma's life and legacy serve as a testament to the power of dedication, focus, and a commitment to making a positive impact on society.
Key points
- Justice Egbert Udo Udoma was a pioneer in Nigerian politics and law, who championed state creation and justice for oppressed minorities.
- He was a highly educated and accomplished individual, earning a PhD in Law from Oxford University at the age of 27.
- Justice Udoma's legacy continues to inspire and influence new generations of Nigerians and Africans, with his contributions to the country's development remaining invaluable.
