Citation

Honourable Justice James Ogenyi Ogebe, JSC, CON (Rtd.), is a distinguished Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, an Officer of the Federal Republic, and a Commander of the Order of the Niger.

His early career began as a secondary school teacher before he gained admission to study Law at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria in 1964. He graduated in June 1967 with a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1968 as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

Early Legal Career and Rise in the Judiciary

Justice Ogebe began his legal career in 1968 as a Pupil State Counsel with the Ministry of Justice of the then Benue-Plateau State. Under the mentorship of notable legal luminaries such as Justice Mustapha Akanbi and Chief Morgan Ogbole, he quickly distinguished himself and later became a mentor to younger legal practitioners.

Through diligence and excellence, he rose through the ranks, serving as:

• Prosecutor
• Director of Public Prosecutions
• Chief Registrar of the High Court of the newly created Benue State

His contributions were instrumental in transforming the State Judiciary from its formative stage to one of commendable standards. He was subsequently appointed as the first indigenous High Court Judge in Benue State.

Judicial Excellence and National Impact

Justice Ogebe served twice as Acting Chief Judge of Benue State before his elevation to the Court of Appeal in 1991, where he served in:

• Benin
• Kaduna
• Port Harcourt
• Enugu
• Lagos

His tenure at the Court of Appeal was marked by landmark judgments that significantly shaped and strengthened the Nigerian legal system.

In 2008, he attained the pinnacle of his judicial career with his appointment to the Supreme Court of Nigeria, where his contributions remain a lasting reference in Nigerian jurisprudence.

Leadership, Service, and Mentorship

A natural leader from an early age, Justice Ogebe has served in several notable capacities, including:

• Head Boy and President, Fellowship of Christian Students, Government College, Keffi
• Chairman, Panel of Inquiry into the Benue Civil Service
• Presiding Justice, Court of Appeal Panel on the 2007 Presidential Election
• Trustee, Bible Society of Nigeria
• Member, Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria
• Chairman, Board of Trustees, Bingham University, Karu (ECWA), Nasarawa State

Over the years, he has remained a role model and mentor to many young professionals in the legal field and beyond.

Honours and Recognition

In recognition of his outstanding service, Justice Ogebe has received numerous honours, including:

• National Honours: Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR) and Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON)
• Honorary Doctor of Laws, Golden State University, California, USA

He is widely regarded as a man of integrity, courage, and unwavering commitment to justice, earning a reputation as one of the most principled and exemplary judges in Nigeria.

Personal Life

A devout Christian, preacher, and dedicated family man, Justice Ogebe is married to Dr. Mrs. Mary Ogebe, a medical doctor, and they are blessed with children.

Award Presentation

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is our honour to invite Honourable Justice James Ogenyi Ogebe, JSC (Rtd.), to receive the Hallmarks of Labour Role Model Award for Exemplary and Courageous Service to the Advancement of the Legal System.

Hearty Congratulations, Sir!