October 22, 2023 NewsOrient
By Samuel Egburonu, Editor

Professor Joseph Ogbonnaya Irukwu SAN, the father of African and Nigerian Insurance and Insurance Law, has been laid to rest.

The elder statesman, who died at the age of 89, was laid to rest on Saturday, October 22, 2023, in his hometown, Amaokwe Item in Bende Local Government Area.

Before and during his burial, testimonies about Chief Irukwu confirmed that he was indeed not just a successful lawyer or insurance merchant but a great leader in all ramifications.

A man of deep knowledge and wisdom, Dee Ogbo did not die with his great knowledge. He took time out of his busy schedule to document his knowledge for posterity. He had an irrepressible desire to ensure people read the written words in his books. That explains why Dee Ogbo, as he was fondly called, will always give his treasured guests some copies of his books.

Amongst the great books Prof Irukwu authored were: Insurance Law and Practice in Nigeria 1967; Accident and Motor Insurance in West Africa Law and Practice, 1974, Re insurance in Third World 1980; Insurance Law in Africa, Cases Status and Principles 1987.

Besides insurance and law, Dee Ogbo also made valid contributions in the debate on Nigerian nation. He is the author of Nigeria at the Crossroads. A nation in Transition London, 1983; Nigeria the Case for a better Society 1989; Nation Building and Ethnic Organizations.

An Igbo leader with passion, he left permanent thoughts on the Igbo question and the way forward. He is the author of: The Case for Ohanaeze in Nigeria 2007; Nigeria at 100 What Next? 2014.

As a practitioner of Law and Insurance, Professor Joe Irukwu SAN, was a grand master. His name rings a bell!

It is on record that Chief Irukwu was Nigeria’s first Professor of Insurance and Insurance Law.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Irukwu was a grand master in Nigerian and African boardroom and professional institutions.

His days as the Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Reinsurance will remain indelible. He built wealth for Nigeria and Africa, so when he finally left Nigerian Re and set up his own insurance firm known as African Development Insurance Company, everybody knew it was a project anchored on deep experience, knowledge and great connection. Until his exit, Dee Ogbo never failed.

He also served meritoriously as the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo between 2003 and 2007.

Back home in Item, Prof Irukwu, who is the Omezioha Item, is well loved and highly respected as the voice of wisdom and integrity.

He will be highly missed by his people.

NewsOrient