Mr Edward Ogugua Ibegbu was called to Bar in 2008. A Chartered Arbitrator and a Notary Public, he was Assistant Secretary of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Onitsha Branch, from 2014 to 2016. He is the Managing Solicitor at Ibegbu & Ibegbu (Legal Practitioners and Chartered Arbitrators). The son of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and grandson of a retired Chief Magistrate, he tells JOSEPH JIBUEZE about their influences and what he would change about the legal profession if he has the powers.
He wanted to be a soldier. He admired their life of discipline. But, Edward Ibegbu’s mother will have none of it. She stopped her son from enrolling in the army. Today, Ibegbu is a lawyer, and he has no regrets.
“I would have loved to become a doctor and a soldier but the passion for law was strong in me. If not for my mother, I would have become a soldier because I love their disciple and dedication to serve,” he said.
Ibegbu studied law at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT). He is now a partner at the firm of Ibegbu & Ibegbu and does not regret choosing law.
“I never regretted studying law. I’ve always been proud to be a lawyer, Notary Public, and Chartered Arbitrator. It is a passion I have; it is a call to a higher purpose.
“It is a life of sacrifice and dedication which entails a lot of industry and discipline which I proudly carry out,” he said.
Ibegbu’s mentors are his grandfather, a former Chief Magistrate, the late Edward Nduba-Ibegbu, his father Nnamdi Ibegbu (SAN) and Mr Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN).
His grandfather’s story of resilience, hard work and industry made him believe that every determined person can succeed.
“He was a teacher, then a principal who later in the late 40s to early 50s went to the U.K to study law, came back to Nigeria and dedicated himself to the legal profession,” he said.
On why he admires his father and Ikpeazu, he said: “Their hard work and passion for the legal profession instilled greatness in me and made me what I am today. I watched with awe as they sacrificed so much with grace and humility for the development of the Law.”
Family influences
Ibegbu’s younger brother is also lawyer, but they were not forced to read law.
“My parents gave us the freedom to decide what we want to study. They did not believe in forcing one to do what he or she does not love. I chose to become a lawyer.
“I watched my father as a child with his legal attire and I really wanted to be like him. Growing up, I saw myself falling in love with the noble profession. Having come from a linage of lawyers, it came naturally to me.
“This profession is one of integrity, honour, discipline, industry and hard work. I watch my father proudly uphold his duty to his clients and to his profession. He also taught me to do same and it greatly influence me.
“I have always wanted to be a lawyer. Growing up and seeing my father dressed up for court and seeing him work and study in his firm was a driving force that pushed me to study law,” he said.
Ibegbu said he does not view the profession strictly from a pecuniary perspective.
“My father once told me while I was in secondary school that if my intention to study law was to make money, then I better try another profession.
“My philosophy is to try to maintain an open mind, a curious mind and a willingness to listen and appreciate the perspectives of others. A career in law can be immensely satisfying.
“A legal education provides an understanding of how the world works, of the machinery that guides our dealings with each other and with the state.
“Each lawyer can and should explore the areas that he or she finds most interesting, whether dealing with the disadvantaged or working on large complex matters involving large teams of lawyers working together to serve their clients.
“Because of the breadth of the things lawyers do, it provides an opportunity, when combined with hard work and some luck, to build a career that is molded to fit that individual’s talents, interests and temperament,” he said.
Memorable experiences
Ibegbu appeared in court for the first time with his father at the Supreme Court as respondent’s counsel. The appellants’ case was struck out with cost. His father introduced him as a new wig. He felt privileged to appear before the Justice, who graciously advised him to work hard and emulate his father.
Since then, he has handled and won hundreds of cases on his own, but which did he find most challenging?
“It was a land case I did at the High Court, Ogidi. The case got up to address stages twice only for the judges to either be transferred or retired. The case ended up starting de novo (afresh).
“It was a very technical case and I lost some important witnesses to death due to the long delay. I had to rely on Certified True Copies of earlier testimonies before the former courts to prove my case.
“This is one of the hassles of legal practice in which sometimes cases are not adjudicated on expeditiously, sometimes making the common man lose hope,” he said.
One of Ibegbu’s most memorable cases was getting judgment for his clients in communal land dispute. The land was forcefully taken from the community and given to a private school.
“My clients got back their land in the end. It was soul filling, knowing they had nothing but believed in justice and equity, which they got,” he said.
According to him, it was among the reasons he studied law – to help the common man, be a voice to the voiceless and fight for social justice and a better world.
In 10 years, Ibegbu sees himself as a leading, innovative legal mind, affecting lives and situations in Nigeria, Africa and the world positively.
“We are created to help make the world a better place. That is our call and we will sacrifice to make it a reality,” he said.
Challenges
If Ibegbu had the power, he would like to tackle the problem of prolonged litigation.
“A lot of matters go to court and spend unnecessary deal of time due to congestion. There are not enough judges and magistrates to handle the volumes of cases in the courts,” he said.
What does he think is the way out? “More specialised courts and tribunals are needed to help in speedy dispensation of justice. At times, some issues which require speedy attention do not get the urgency they require,” he said.
Ibegbu also wants the loss of man hours should be reduced. He said: “What I would like to change in the judiciary is the issue of travelling a long way to court only to be told that the judge would not sit.
“The world has evolved to a digital age where the courts can effectively communicate with lawyers in advance if they would not sit, by either sending an email or text message.
“I think this issue has to be addressed because it renders lawyers unproductive. The time wasted travelling, sometimes from far distance only to find out the court won’t sit can be saved and the lawyer can be productive with his time,” he said.
Ibegbu spared a thought for younger lawyers, who he said battle with inadequate remuneration.
“They work hard for their bosses only to go home with a pitiable allowance. Despite the size of some big firms, little attention is paid to empowerment, health and remuneration of these juniors.
“I wish the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) would champion this cause and set up a system for law firms on the area of working condition and welfare of the junior lawyers. I commend the NBA leadership for what they have done so far.”
