Kenechi Obele is a woman of many parts, lawyer, tax practitioner, corporate Masters of Ceremony (MC) and ‘sarcasm enthusiast’. The 2015 Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) alumna shares her law story with ROBERT EGBE.
Fourth of four sisters
My name is Kenechi Obele (Obele-Martins on social media) and I am a lawyer with major focus on taxation. I am the fourth of four sisters and the only arts inclined person in my family. My dad is a businessman while my mum is an educationist, who owns schools. We are from Nanka in Orumba-North Local Government Area (LGA) of Anambra State. I enjoy reading, travelling (by air, please) and generally being sarcastic. I’m a professional moderator and corporate MC on the side (because I love talking).
Nnamdi Azikiwe University’s alumna
I attended Margrace International School, Lagos (owned by my mum) and Federal Government Girls’ College, Sagamu, Ogun State. I am a 2015 graduate of the prestigious Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka and I attended The Nigerian Law School, Bwari, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Campus, graduating in 2016.
Best Debater
I was a student politician, among others. I was Vice President of the Law Students’ Association of UNIZIK. I, however, rejected the appointment as a judge of the faculty afterwards because I wanted to pursue my talents in public speaking without interruptions. I spent the rest of my university years participating in different debates. I was the winner of the maiden edition of The Most Intelligent Student in UNIZIK (UNIZIK Brain Facio). I represented the Faculty of Law at the Eastern Universities Debates and led our team to winning first place. I clinched the Best Debater award. After winning all there was, I spent my last days in school judging competitions I had previously won.
My family members were all science inclined
Prior to studying law, the only lawyer I had heard of in my family was a distant uncle, who I’ve never met till date. Members of my immediate family are all science inclined. I had also never seen a courtroom save for images I saw on television.
Law appealed to me because it was difficult
Law, for me like many in my generation, was the course the smart art kid studied to avoid becoming the disgrace of the family (big grin). I could have easily studied any other course since I excelled in all arts-related subjects, but since I argued logically to the surprise of adults and was inquisitive, Law, it was. Law’s greatest appeal to me however, was how difficult it was. I’ve never been known to back out of a challenge.
Law School was hectic, but real fun
My law school experiences were a myriad of things. It was hectic, but also really fun. I read a lot. I’m an introvert, who isn’t attracted to large gatherings, so, I never partied. During internship, however, I met an amazing set of people at the chambers of Onyechi Ikpeazu SAN where I interned, and we sometimes found time to hang out and have fun.
Call to Bar
My parents came to Abuja to celebrate the Call to Bar with me. My siblings made souvenirs and my aunty and her family whom I stayed with planned a grand celebration for me. Shout out to my cousin, Chidiogo for taking time off work to bake me the tastiest cake ever.
Most embarrassing, memorable days in court
I have had a number of embarrassing days in court such as the day I arrived just after the court had adjourned my matter because I was late. My most memorable day would have to be my first win while I was a Corp member. I had gotten a Fundamental Rights matter dismissed with costs awarded in our favour.
I’ve been lucky with remuneration
Although the principal of the firm where I served loved me and paid me a decent remuneration as a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, I knew he wouldn’t be able to pay what I wanted post NYSC, so, I left in search of my desired remuneration and got it. I’ve been lucky wage wise.
Why I’d rather not marry a lawyer
I’d rather not marry a lawyer. Not that I have anything against it, but I like some diversity. If I were to choose a partner by profession, I’d go for a pharmacist (don’t ask me why) or some IT or computer geek. What’s important for me, however, is an ambitious partner who shares my values.
Legal profession rooted in archaic and technical practices
The legal profession is still rooted in archaic and technical practices. For one, I see no reason why women should not wear trousers to court nor why female lawyers and judges are referred to as ‘men in skirt’ and ‘sir’. Secondly, the entire practice of wigs and gowns is tiring. Also, lots of lawyers still write verbose briefs (Thanks to The Write House in Nigeria working to change this writing attitude of lawyers). Most importantly, litigants losing in court based on technicalities rather than the substance of the law is saddening. I would work towards a contemporary and progressive profession if I could.
Mentors
My mentors are not found in big names and portfolios. I look up to my seniors, who make themselves available to teaching me and setting me straight any time I need help. There are several of them. I’m especially grateful to Chidiebele Onunkwo of Onunkwo & Onunkwo Chambers and Obinna Akpuchukwu of Allen & Marylebone both in the busy city of Onitsha, Anambra State.
SAN, professor or judge?
If I were to become a Professor of Law, I would be a professor of Tax Law since I am a tax lawyer and tax enthusiast. However, I do not aspire to any special ranks in law. The judges’ life isn’t attractive to me and the time I need to put in to becoming a SAN or professor is time I would rather spend pursuing my other interests. I’m working towards becoming a renowned business person and a contributing voice to social change and development.
The future
I have lofty plans (as I’m sure many humans have… laughs), but I am currently working on two things. In my space as a lawyer and tax practitioner, I would be kicking off videos breaking down taxation in its simplest form for SMEs on my Instagram handle (@kaynaychy) and as part of social change, I have a project in the works for the promotion of Igbo Language with a charity undertone.
Leave a Reply