The NBA Lagos Branch mourns the death of a legal icon and a prominent member of the branch.
In a media outlet by the Lagos Branch Chairman, Yemi Akangbe who informed the branch about the demise of Chief Chibuzor Ziggy Azike (Omezimba).
He stated that the death of Chief Chibuzor Ziggy Azike, Life Bencher, came as a rude and unbelievable shock to the branch.
His statement reads thus;
The death of Chief Ziggy Azike came to us as a rude shock and unbelievable shock yesterday night.
We prayed that it was a mere rumour but it has now been confirmed to be true.
Chief Ziggy Azike was, until his untimely death, a very active member of our Branch who always made his views on topical issues known, in public and, as necessary, privately. He was very enthusiastic about the affairs of the Bar and always passionately advocated for the need for the Branch to build a Bar Center.
Those of us who attended our Branch meeting in October would remember Chief Ziggy’s comments on the state of the nation, especially his views on how to rebuild the High Court of Lagos State complex at Igbosere, Lagos and the need for the Branch to oversee the process of contributions to the judiciary rather than lawyers making individual contributions, as that may undermine the independence of the judiciary.
His widely circulated recent tribute to late Adamu Maikori esq (father to Yahaya and Audu Maikori) and his principled stance on many issues gives an insight into the man that Chief Ziggy was.
Chief Ziggy had been in active legal practice for about 37 years, first as in-house counsel with Union Bank and then in private practice. He was the Principal Counsel at Adroit Lex & Co. Chief Ziggy was also actively involved in politics and had in the past aspired to the governorship of Imo State.
Chief Ziggy’s demise is a great loss to the NBA Lagos Branch, to the NBA and to Nigeria.
We commiserate with his family and his many close friends at this time even as we pray that God grants his family the fortitude to bear this loss.
I have, this morning, been in touch with his daughter, Esom Azike and we will keep members informed of arrangements as they are announced.
May the soul of Omezimba, Chief Chibuzor Ziggy Azike rest in peace.
Yemi Akangbe, FCIArb
Chairman,
NBA, Lagos Branch.