By John Austin Unachukwu
The University of Benin (UNIBEN), on Saturday has conferred honorary Doctor of Laws (LL.D) Honoris Causa on Kolawole Shola Okeaya-Inneh, Richard Oma Ahonaruogho and others as part of its convocation ceremony.
Others conferred with honourary degrees at the event include: Prof. Ivor Ralph Edwards, who was conferred with honourary Doctor of Science (DSC) Honoris Causa and the Managing Director of BUA Group, Alh. Abdul Samad Rabiu, who was conferred with Doctor of Science (DSC) Honoris Causa.
Others who bagged the rank of Emeritus Professor include: “Prof. John Oamen Igene, Prof. Esosa Bob-Osaze and Prof. E.A.C. Nwanze.
The event held at the Akin Deko main auditorium.
The man Ahonaruogho
Chief Ahonaruogho is the Ogwatumise of Owo Kingdom and a former member of the UNIBEN Governing Council, Ad-Hoc Committee member for the 2011 Christian Pilgrims Welfare Committee of Lagos State and former Chairman, Conference of Alumni Associations of Nigerian Universities (CAANU),
He was born in Warri, Delta State on July, 1961, to Mr. Jeremiah Oma Olu Ahonaruogho and Mrs. Josephine Ajua Ahonaruogho. His father is a Petroleum Marketer at Mobil Oil Nigeria Limited (as it then was) and his mother is a Trader. While his father hails from Ughoton in the Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State, his mother hails from Warri in the Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State.
Ahonaruogho attended Maryland Convent Private School, Ikeja, Lagos. He obtained his West African School Certificate (WASC) at Victory High School, Ikeja, where he was Labour Prefect in 1978/79.
He obtained his Higher School Certificate from Baptist Academy, Obanikoro, Lagos in 1981.
Chief Ahonaruogho attended the University of Benin and graduated with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) Honours degree in 1986. He proceded to the Nigerian Law School, Victoria Island, Lagos and was called to the Nigerian Bar and enrolled as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria on October 22, 1987. He participated in the one-year mandatory National Youth Service and had his primary assignment with Chief Samuel Olasupo Morohundiya & Co. (Legal Practitioners) Ikeja, Lagos at both their Rivers State and Lagos State offices between 1987 and 1988.
Law practice
Since then, Chief Ahonaruogho has been in active legal practice. He became a Notary Public on 9 January, 1997. He is the principal partner of Richard Oma Ahonaruogho & Co; Ahonaruogho, Ahonaruogho & Co. (Paradise Law Firm) Solicitors, Advocates & Notaries Public of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. He is also a Partner in the law firm of Idahosa, Ahonaruogho & Ize-Iyamu.
12 kid-robbers case
Early in his practice, Chief Ahonaruogho was given to public interest cases. In 2008, his friend, to whom he lost the election of the President of the Students’ Union of UNIBEN, Yesufu Abubakar, called at his Ahonaruogho’s Law Firm, then located at No. 10 Pepple Street, Ikeja, Lagos, with a copy of the Evening Times, which bore the headline – 12 kids robbers to die by firing squad. As one who prided himself as a Constitutional lawyer, Ahonaruogho spotted a constitutional question, took up the gauntlet and instituted his first action in his name in Suit No. ID/392M/88 – Richard Oma Ahonaruogho VS. The Military Governor of Lagos State & 2 Others, which was decided by the Honourable Moronkeji Omotayo Onalaja (as he then was, later Justice of the Court of Appeal) on the 23 November, 2008 (same date as the Founder’s Day of the University of Benin; Chief Ahonaruogho’s father’s birthday, Pa. J. O. O. Ahonaruogho and this historic event of his conferment with the Honorary Doctorate Degree of Doctor of Law), The case is reported in the Book- Cases and Materials on Human Rights in Nigeria, Pages 185 to 204 (a publication of Huris Law, 1994), wherein the Editor in his editorial note, stated as follows
“The applicant, a legal practitioner, brought the action on behalf of one of 12 condemned boys sentenced to death by a Robbery Tribunal for Armed Robbery. His contention was that the boys were under 16 years during the time of the offence; hence, they could not be condemned to death in view of the provisions of Young Persons Act of Lagos State. The Court dismissed the application, holding that it had no jurisdiction to hear the case in view of the ouster clause in the Armed Robbery Decree, but held that the applicant had the locus standi to institute the action”.
Although the court could not sit on appeal on the decision of the Armed Robbery Tribunal, the fact that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) of Lagos State, Mr. Abiodun Kessington (as he then was, later the Honourable Justice Abiodun Kessington), did not contest the age of Augustine Eke to be less than 17 years as at the time of the alleged offence, his Lordship, recommended that the Government should take a second look at the conviction and sentence.
It was a very tough and challenging case for a very young lawyer, who was on his second year in practice but with conviction, and determination he followed-up the process with letters to the then Military Governor of Lagos State and later with Governor, Sir Michael Otedola, who later granted State pardon to Augustine Eke and nine others, two of the others having died in prison. For Augustine Eke and his co-travellers, the judgment delivered on 23 November became a light in the filament which eventually led to their liberation.
Bar activities
As a legal practitioner, Ahonaruogho has been very active in contributing to the growth of his noble profession. He has been a member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) 1998-2006 and 2010-date; International Bar Association (IBA) Country Representative from Nigeria from 18 April, 2000 to 2006; Chairman, Human Rights Law of the International Bar Association from December, 2002 to 2006; Secretary, Council of Section on Legal Practice of the Nigerian Bar Association from 03 August, 2004 to 02 August, 2005. He has also been Vice-Chairman, Access to Justice Committee of the International Bar Association from January, 2005 to 2006; Council member, Professional and Practice Interest Division (PPID) of the International Bar Association from January, 2005 to 31 December, 2006 as well as Coordinator, University of Benin Alumni Lawyers from 1998 to date.
As a student, Ahonaruogho was the founding Vice-President of the Law Students’ Association (LAWSA) of his alma mater, University of Benin. He was also a member of the Nigerian Bar Association Committee for Remuneration of Junior Lawyers (1989-1990). Apart from these important positions already listed, he has also been Rapporteur, Annual General Conference of the Nigeria Bar Association held at Benin City (1990); member, Nigerian Bar Association Human Rights Committee (1990-1991); member and coordinator, Media Relations, Nigerian Bar Association Public Affairs Committee (1990-1991); member, Public Relations Sub-Committee of the 6th Biennial Conference of the African Bar Association (AfBA) (1991); member, Nigerian Bar Association 1992 Law Week Planning Committee, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; member & secretary, Nigerian Bar Association Ikeja Branch Committee for the Resolution of the Nigerian Bar Association National Crisis (1995-1998); Secretary, 1996 Law Week Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ikeja Branch, Lagos, Nigeria; Secretary, Nigerian Bar Association, Ikeja Branch (1996-1998).
As a ‘Bar Man’, Ahonaruogho has not missed any opportunity to be part of the local, national, regional and international conferences of his professional body. Thus, he has attended the following conferences and even played strategic roles: all Nigerian Bar Association, Ikeja Branch Annual General Meetings from 1988 to 2005; all Nigerian Bar Association Annual General Conferences from 1989 to 2004; African Bar Association (ABA) 6th Biennial Conference in Abuja (1991); African Bar Association Meeting in Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire, 17-18 October, 1997; African Bar Association 7th Biennial Conference in Accra, Ghana, 16 – 18 May, 2000; African Bar Association 8th Biennial Conference in Abuja, 29 – 30 November, 2002; inaugural meeting of the West African Bar Association (WABA) in Abuja, 20 – 21 August, 2004; International Bar Association (IBA) Conference in Edinburgh, Scotland (1995); International Bar Association Conference in Berlin, Germany (1996); International Bar Association 50th Anniversary Celebrations/Meeting in New York, United States of America (1997); International Bar Association Conference in New Delhi, India (1997); International Bar Association Conference in Vancouver, Canada (1998); International Bar Association Conference in Boston, United States of America (1999); and International Bar Association Conference in Barcelona, Spain (1999).
Others include International Bar Association Conference in Amsterdam, Netherlands (2000); International Bar Association Conference in Cancun, Mexico (2001); International Bar Association Conference in Durban, South Africa (2002); International Bar Association Conference in San Francisco, United States of America (2003); International Bar Association Conference in Auckland, New Zealand (2004); International Bar Association Conference in Prague, Czech Republic (2005); International Bar Association Conference in Chicago, United States of America (2006); International Bar Association Section on Legal Practice (SLP) Regional Conference in Lagos, Nigeria (1995); International Bar Association Section on Energy and Natural Resources Law (SERL) Conference in Accra, Ghana (1998); International Bar Association Section on Energy and Natural Resources Law Conference in Abuja, Nigeria (1999); International Bar Association Section on Energy and Natural Resources Law Conference in Abuja (2000); 54th Session of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights in Geneva, Switzerland (1998); International Bar Association Section on Legal Practice Officers, Council Members and Committee Officers Meeting in Istanbul, Turkey (2001).
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He has also participated at the International Bar Association Section on Legal Practice Officers, Council Members and Committee Officers Meeting in Cancun, Mexico (2001); International Bar Association Section on Legal Practice Officers, Council Members and Committee Officers Meeting in Durban, South Africa (2002); International Bar Association Section on Legal Practice Officers, Council Members and Committee Officers Meeting in San Francisco, United States of America (2003); International Bar Association Section on Legal Practice Officers, Council Members and Committee Officers Meeting in Auckland, New Zealand (2004); International Bar Association Professional and Practice Interest Division (PPID) Council Members, Officers and Meeting in Amsterdam, Netherlands (2005); International Bar Association Professional and Practice Interest Division (PPID) Council Members, Officers and Meeting in Prague, Czech Republic (2005); International Bar Association Professional and Practice Interest Division (PPID) Council Members, Officers and Meeting in Florida, United States of America (2006); International Bar Association African regional Conference in Accra, Ghana (1999); International Bar Association African regional Conference in Nairobi, Kenya (March, 2001); International Bar Association African regional Conference in Lagos, Nigeria (April, 2004), and the Annual General Conference of the African Bar Association (AfBA) held at the Ministerial Complex, Monrovia, Liberia from 21st to 25th October, 2019, at which he was the Chair of the first and second Sessions on contemporary issues facing Africa on Tuesday 22nd October, 2019.
Earlier Chief Ahonaruogho, participated in the Nigerian Bar Association, Ikeja Branch, Continuous Legal Education and Practice Development 2 days seminar – the 21st Century Lawyer- held on 8th and 9th October, 2019 and served as discussant of the paper presented by Kemi Pinheiro, san, – “effective utilization of garnishee proceedings in recovery of debt and effective defence thereto: prospects, challenges and avoidable pitfalls”
Chief Ahonaruogho’s organizational acumen has been demonstrated in his playing active roles in the organization of conferences relating to his professional calling. He participated in the organization of the Plenary Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association Branches at Coordinating Secretary in Jos in August, 1997; organization of the Nigerian Bar Association Annual General Conference in Abuja in August, 1998; Coordinating Secretary, Committee of Chairmen and Secretaries of Nigerian Bar Association Branches (1997-1998); Secretary, Committee 19 (Human Rights Law) of the Section on Legal Practice of the International Bar Association (2000-2002).
On the spiritual front, Chief Ahonaruogho has not been found wanting. He has actively served God in various capacities. He has been member, Board of Trustees, MicCom Evangelism Foundation of the Nigerian Baptist Convention (1990-2000); Legal Adviser, First Baptist Church, Ikeja (1995-2000); Trustee, First Baptist Church, Ikeja (1997-2000); and Vice-Chairman, External Fund Raising Committee of First Baptist Church, Ikeja, Lagos (01 January, 2012 – date). He also served as Member, Ad-Hoc Committee of the Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board of Lagos State (15 September, 2011 – April 2012). On the 7th July, 2018, Chief Richard Oma Ahonaruogho was appointed the Honorary Patron of the Royal Ambassadors of Nigeria of the First Baptist Church Ikeja, Lagos, and he has been a mentor to many young men and women.
He has also participated actively in the development of legal education in particular and educational development generally. This he has demonstrated in his capacity as member, Board of Trustees of the Olasupo Morohundiya Foundation for Legal Education Development of the Faculty of Law, University of Ibadan (1992- date); Member, Board of Governors, Mayors Heights College, Ikeja, Lagos (2004 – date), and Member, Governing Council, Chrisland University (2015 – 2018).
At the Faculty of Law of his alma mater, he has, together with the support of his wife, Mojisola exhibited uncommon philanthropy and selflessness, not only in the developing the Faculty facilities but also in the award of scholarships to students. His first Ward was sponsored to the Nigerian Law School in 2007. He has since paid the school fees and provided Laptop Computers for at least other 25 students (11 in a given year) attending the Nigerian Law School after their graduation from the Faculty of Law, University of Benin (UNIBEN) and in one case of a Law Graduate from the Benson Idahosa University (BIU). He has also sponsored undergraduates of the University of Benin even in distant departments like Theatre Arts, where he has sponsored 2 students (who are visually challenged), and a Part-Time Student then working at the UNIBEN Guest House, who graduated with a Second Class (Lower Division) Public Administration in 2013/2014. In 2012, when Miss Mavis Oghogho Abada became the first Student to graduate with a FIRST CLASS from the Faculty of Law, University of Benin, which news was made known to him at the formal presentation of the book – THE MAKING OF AN AMBASSADOR’ – LEGAL ESSAYS BY LAW STUDENTS’ ASSOCAITION (LAWSA) UNIVERSITY OF BENIN (UNIBEN) PUBLISHED IN 2012 IN HONOUR OF CHIEF (BARR.) RICHARD OMA AHONARUOGHO, he wasted no time in adopting Miss Abada as his ward and supported her to the Nigerian Law School, where she again bagged a FIRST CLASS and later to Harvard University for Masters of Law Degree (LL.M) 2015/2016.
This rare commitment to the welfare of students and addition of value to his alma mater has endeared him to Staff and students of the Faculty of Law and indeed the University of Benin. His role as a bridge builder has also seen him coordinating efforts that fundamentally saw to the building and full equipment of the Alumni Law Library at the Faculty of Law, a feat that is rare in the annals of Nigerian university system.
His zest in pursuing issues that concern the welfare and future of his beloved alma mater, the University of Benin, has also influenced his playing prominent roles in organizing other alumni to rub minds in the quest to move the institution forward. Thus, Chief Ahonaruogho has been Chairman, University of Benin Alumni Association (UBAA) Lagos Branch (2001 – 2003); Vice-President (West) University of Benin Alumni Association (2002 – 2006); President, University of Benin Alumni Association Worldwide (2006 – 2010), a position he ran effectively to the admiration of all stakeholders. He was elected member representing Convocation on the Governing Council of the University of Benin and served meritoriously between 28 September, 2007 and 23 September, 2011. He was elected Chairman of the Conference of Alumni Associations of Nigerian Universities (CAANU) and has served from 17 September, 2011 to 26 September, 2016..
In demonstration of his bottomless love for matters concerning his alma mater, the University of Benin, and his selfless commitment to the addition of value to the name of the school, Chief Ahonaruogho has attended all important meetings of the institution’s alumni association both in Nigeria and in the diaspora. Thus, he attended the University of Benin Alumni Association, North America Branch (UBAANA) 2nd Re-Union Dinner and inaugurated the Branch at the Hilton Hotel, University Place, Charlotte, North Carolina, United States of America on 23 June, 2007. He also attended the University of Benin Alumni Association North American Branch 3rd Re-Union General Assembly and Dinner at the University of Maryland, University College, Maryland, United States of America from 6th to 8th June, 2008 as well as the University of Benin Alumni Association North America (UBAANA) 5th Re-Union in Philadelphia, 2010; the University of Benin Alumni Association North America (UBAANA) 7th Re-Union in Dallas, 2012; the University of Benin Alumni Association North America (UBAANA) 8th Re-Union in Los Angeles, 2013; the University of Benin Alumni Association North America (UBAANA) 9th Re-Union in Chicago, 2014, the University of Benin Alumni Association North America (UBAANA) 10th Re-Union in Miami, Florida, 2015; the University of Benin Alumni Association North America (UBAANA) 11th Re-Union in Newark, New Jersey, 2016.
Chief Ahonaruogho was the first President of the University of Benin Alumni Association Worldwide to attend the University of Benin Alumni Association, United Kingdom (UBAAUK) Re-Union in London in 2009, which was then being steered by Mrs. Patricia Aderibegbe. He equally attended the formal inauguration of the University of Benin Alumni Association United Kingdom (UBAAUK) in London 2011 by his able successor, Engr. (Dr.) Clement Kayode Oghene. He also the University of Benin Alumni Association United Kingdom (UBAAUK) Re-Union in London 2016 and the University of Benin Alumni Association United Kingdom (UBAAUK) Re-Union in Sheffield, United Kingdom 2019.
Outside the University of Benin, Chief Ahonaruogho had as Ward, a former pupil of the University of Ibadan Staff School after reading a public interest story in ‘The Punch’ newspaper of Monday 12 April, 2012, (Easter Monday) to the effect that ‘Pupil weeps for failing to win laptop or scholarship in raffle draw marking the 50th anniversary of the Polytechnic Ibadan’. Chief Ahonaruogho took the trouble to telephone the Editor of The Punch and got the newspaper’s Reporter who linked him to the Pupil’s parents. He provided the laptop and sponsored her from Primary 4 in 2012 to Primary 6 in 2014 and from 2014 to date where she is now in Senior Secondary School 3 (SSS3) at Starlite College, Ibadan on his scholarship. Also outside the University of Benin, Chief Ahonaruogho has as Ward, a Student of International Relations from 2015 – September, 2019 at the Madonna University, Okija, Anambra State. Some of his former Staff have also benefited from his scholarships which assisted them through various institutions, including Yaba College of Technology, Yaba, Lagos, (1993 -1999) (Quantity Surveying); University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), 1999 – 2004 (Electrical Engineering), University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), 2005 – 2009 (Political Science); Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye 2004-2010 (Economics); University of Lagos (UNILAG) 2011 – 2015 (Insurance); University of Lagos (UNILAG) 2010 – 2014 (Creative Arts), to mention but a few.
Among the Chief Ahonaruogho’s international assignments have been International Bar Association (IBA) Representative on the International Legal Assistance Consortium (ILAC) Mission to Liberia from 17 November to 28 November, 2003 at the invitation of Ambassador Jacques Paul Klien, the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) Administrator and Special Representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations to assist in the setting up of a court structure to try criminals in post 14 October, 2003 period in Liberia. Significantly, the delegation met with civil society groups and prominent Liberians, including, Mrs. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, who later became the President of Liberia. Chief Ahonaruogho has also been member and Secretary, Host Committee of the International Bar Association (IBA) African Regional Conference held in Lagos, Nigeria from 05 to 08 April, 2004.
Among the numerous awards in recognition of the invaluable contributions of Chief Ahonaruogho to the legal profession, civil society and indeed mankind include but not restricted to recipient of the Nigerian Bar Association Merit Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Nigerian Bar Association at the 1998 Annual General Conference at Abuja; recipient of gift from the Nigerian Bar Association Abuja Branch at the 1998 Conference for outstanding contributions to the Association; recipient of the service award presented on 23rd November, 2000 by the University of Benin Alumni Association in recognition of meritorious service to the Association as Chairman of the Lagos branch; recipient of the Nigerian Bar Association Plaque for Sponsoring a Session at the 2003 Annual General Conference at Enugu; recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Award of the University of Benin Alumni Association, Asaba Branch in 2005; investiture as Grand Patron of the Law Students’ Association (LAWSA) of Faculty of Law, University Of Benin on 03 August, 2006. He has also been the recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Award of the University Of Benin Alumni Association, Lagos Branch on 21 October, 2006; recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Award of the University Of Benin Alumni Association (UBAA) Worldwide on 26 November, 2011; and recipient of the Plaque of Appreciation for his role as Chairman of the Conference of Alumni Associations of Nigerian Universities (CAANU) on 4 December, 2011.
The Department of Theatre Arts of the Faculty of Arts of the University of Benin in
2010 was given the sum of Five Hundred Thousand Naira for the purchase of band set for the
University’s Musical Band. Chief Ahonaruogho was in 2010 honoured by the Law Students’
Association (LAWSA) of the Faculty of Law, University of Benin with the CHIEF
RICHARD OMA AHONARUOGHO CHAMBERS, during the tenure of Mayor Ernest
Ogbonna as LAWSA President.
As an active sportsman, Chief Ahonaruogho was frequent at the Senior Staff Club of the University of Benin where he played Table Tennis, Scrabble and other sports with Professor Eddy Erhagbe, Professor Lawrence Ezemonye, Professor Chike Okolocha, Professor Mike Oreso, Professor Friday Okonofua, Dr. Marcel Okhakhu, Mr. Richmond Omagbemi, Mr. Eguasa Omagbon, Mr. Brodricks Osewa, amongst other. Amongst his donations to the Senior Staff Club were Scrabble Sets and Dictionaries, two split unit standing air conditioners and one window unit air conditioner. He had close relationships with various Presidents of the Club, including (in no particular order) Professor Eddy Erhagbe, Professor Victor Omozuwa, Professor E. C. Ikhuoria, Professor Lawrence Ezemonye, Professor Myke Omoigberale, Professor Sam Ike and Professor George Eriyamremu. Also, Chief Ahonaruogho donated four split unit standing air conditioners were installed at the Jural Court of the Faculty Law, UNIBEN; while the Faculty of Law Library got one of the split unit standing air conditioners in 2011. In 2018, Chief Ahonaruogho was honoured by the Law Students’ Association (LAWSA) of the Faculty of Law, University of Benin with the naming of its Secretariat as the CHIEF RICHARD OMA AHONARUOGHO LAWSA SECRETARIAT, during the tenure of Nelson Olumakaiya as LAWSA President.
Again, outside the University of Benin, the Alumni Association of the Ekiti State
University (EKSU) also received three split unit standing air conditioners from Chief Ahonaruogho in 2012 during the tenure of Mr. Bola Ogunlakin as the President of the Alumni Association of Ekiti State University (EKSU), while Chief Ahonaruogho was the Chairman of the Conference of Alumni Associations of Nigerian Universities (CAANU).
The slogan “We Love Our Vice-Chancellor” began when Chief Ahonaruogho, was the Chairman of the Lagos Branch of the University of Benin Alumni Association, where he adopted the slogan – WE LOVE OUR VICE-CHANCELLOR, during the tenure of a greater Richard, Professor Abhulimen Richard Anao, as Vice Chancellor. It was at the End of Year Party and Award Night organized at the Golden Gate Hotel, Ikoyi, Lagos, on Saturday, 7 December, 2002, at which Mr. Gamaliel O. Onosode (of blessed memory), Chairman, Dunlop Nigeria Plc (as it then was) was the distinguished Chairman, Professor Abhulimen Richard Anao was the Special Guest of Honour, and Professor (Mrs.) Grace Alele-William, a former Vice-Chancellor of the University was the Guest Speaker. Under his Chairmanship of the said Lagos Branch, several seminars were organized including – (i) “Aids – Unemployment and the Nigerian Economy’ on Thursday 7th February, 2002 at the Banquet Hall of the Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, at which Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, FPSN, MON was the Lead Speaker, Mr. Paul Enebeli FPSN, Dr. John Obodo, Mr. Alex Okoh and Mr. George Onekhena were Discussants. The Chairman was Dr. Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia, the First Visitor to the University of Benin. The Special Guest of Honour was Professor Abhulimen Richard Anao, Vice-Chancellor, University of Benin. The Guests of Honour were Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, President, Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Dr. Leke Pitan, the Honourable Commissioner for Health of Lagos State and (ii) “A Nation in Transition: Citizens Rights and Responsibilities” on Thursday 3rd April, 2003 at the Regency Hall, Otunba Jobi-Fele Way, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, under the distinguished Chairmanship of Professor Itse I. Sagay (SAN). The Special Guest of Honour was Mr. Paul Osogbe Enebeli, FPSN and the Lead Speaker was Professor Julius O. Ihonvbere, The Discussants included Otunba Mohammed Jobi-Fele, Hon. Ehiogie West-Idahosa, Dr. Reuben Abati, Mr. Dele Adesina (as he then was, now Learned SAN) and Mrs. Funke Fadugba.
Upon his election to the office of Vice-President West of the Alumni Association in 2003 at the end of the tenure of Professor Patrick Uadia in that office in a keenly contested election, Chief Ahonaruogho, decided not to re-contest for the Chairmanship of the Lagos Branch and he handed over to Mrs, Betty Igbeyi as Chairman of the Lagos Branch of the Association. Chief Ahonaruogho served as Vice-President West from 2002 to 2006, before succeeding Dr. Mike I. Okonofua, JP, as President of the University of Benin Alumni Association, unopposed.
Under the leadership of Chief Ahonaruogho as the 11th President of the University of Benin Alumni Association, the Alumni Association organised the 39th Founder’s Day Lecture/Award and Dinner/Raffle Draws and 1st Global Home Coming on Saturday 21st November, 2009, following the successful inauguration of the University of Benin Alumni Association North American Branch (UBAANA) in 2007, and the commencement of serious activities in the United Kingdom, in 2008. The inauguration of the North American Branch of the Association was made possible by the work of his predecessors in office, Dr. Mike A. Ohiorenoya (1979) – the 1st President, Dr. (now Professor) Alfred E. Ehigiegba (1980/82) – the 2nd President, Dr. (now Professor) Emmanuel E. Obaseiki-Ebor (1982/83) – the 3rd President, Mr. Gordon Osagiede (deceased) (1983/85) – the 4th President, Dr. (now Professor) Marcel J. Ikenebomeh (1985/88) – the 5th President, Chief Makole Omo Azugbene, JP (1988/90) – the 6th President, Hon. Dr. Ja’ Belo-Osagie (1990/93) – the 7th President, Pharm. Paul Osogbe Enebeli, FPSN (1994/88) – the 8th President and first President to be elected into the Governing Council of the University, Mr. Osa I. Ikponmwosa (1998/2002) – the 9th President, and Dr. Mike I. Okonofua, JP (2002 -2006) – the 10th President, all of whom he remained most grateful for their leadership and service. Special mention must however be made of Dr. Mike I. Okonofua, JP and his Secretary General, Professor (Mrs.) Mary Olire Edema, who linked Chief Ahonaruogho with Dr. Tonia Ajao, the Steering President of UBAANA and to Professor Emmanuel A. C. Nwanze, the then Vice Chancellor, who wasted no time in supporting the vision of taking the Alumni body outside the shores of Nigeria. In the same vein, the Alumni Association has remained strong under the able leadership of his successors, Dr. (Engr.) Clement Kayode Oghene the 12th President, Sir (Hon.) Ifaluyi Isibor the 13th President and Engr. Ikenna Obiasor the 14th President of the University of Benin Alumni Association Worldwide!
Upon his election in 2006 as the President of the University of Benin Alumni Association, Chief Ahonaruogho and his team, namely Dr. Mike Okonofua, JP – Immediate Past President IPP, Mrs. Agnes Ologide – Vice President West, Mr. Nnamdi Cheizea – Vice President East, Chief (dr.) Benjamin Abadua – Vice President North, Mr. Stephen Obeki Obeki (as he then was, now Dr. Stephen Obeki Obeki) – Secretary General, Mr. Victor Igweonwu (as he then was, now Dr. Igweonwu) – Assistant Secretary General, Mr. Kehinde Omo Oisemaye – Treasurer, Engr. John Osarenwinda (as he then was, now Professor Osarenwinda) – Financial Secretary, Sir Egert Omoneukarin – Legal Adviser, Mr. Austin Obi-Omovoh (as he then was, now Dr. Obi-Omovoh) – Public Relations Officer, Mallam Abdul-Rahman Izuagie – Auditor, Dr. John Ikimalo – Ex-Officio and Chief Ola Orimoloye (of blessed memory) – Ex-Officio; immediately embarked on far reaching projects which benefitted the Association and the University immensely. It is on record that Chief Richard Oma Ahonaruogho, within five months of being elected President of the University of Benin Alumni Association, got Access Bank Plc. during the tenure of Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukheude as Group General Manager to re-build and equip the present Secretariat of the Association; a Banking Hall and this was capped with the donation of a brand new Toyota Hiace Bus which was registered as UBAA1. It is also on record that Chief Richard Oma Ahonaruogho led efforts of the ‘UNIBEN ALUMNI LAWYERS’ to build for the Faculty of Law, a Library apart from the Departmental Library, at a time when accreditation of the Law program was threatened by the Council of Legal Education. His administration began the ALUMNI ONE RADIO which was later taken over by the University as UNIBEN RADIO. Two plots of land was also allocated at the SITE A (main Campus) and another Seventy Hectares of land was also allocated to the Alumni in the SITE B of the University for the development of an International Conference Centre/4-IN-1 ALUMNI building during the tenure of Professor Emmanuel A. C. Nwanze as Vice Chancellor.
The Executive Committee for the 2008 to 2010 tenure had only two new members, namely Hon. (Mrs.) Anne Osakwe who replace Mr. Nnamdi Chizea as Vice-President East, Mr. Chizea having relocated to Lagos and Dr. (now Professor) Mrs. Mary O. Odema, as the Immediate Past Secretary General following Constitutional amendment to that effect, an innovation that has proved very useful to the Association.
Chief Ahonaruogho played a pivotal role in the Governing Council of the University of Benin during his tenure. He was the one that proposed the appointment of Professor Osayuki Godwin Oshodin as the Vice Chancellor of the University out of the three shortlisted finalist during the turbulence of the 2009 appointment of the Vice Chancellorship at the time, a very brave and patriotic feet. The ‘Campus News’ of the University of Benin in his Vol. 3 Number 2, of April 30, 2010, produced its Special Edition, with the caption “The Winning Team, which celebrated Professor Oshodin’s 100-day in Office and the Governing Council which made his ‘historic’ appointment possible.
It is on record that Chief Ahonaruogho has been celebrating the achievements and elevations of others and in this wise he organised and facilitated the Dinner Parties in celebration of the elevation to the rank of Senior Advocates of Nigeria on Chief Charles Uwensuyi Edosomwan (SAN), Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), Mr. Oluwakemi Pinheiro (SAN), Mr. Augustine Oyarekhua Alegeh (SAN), Mr. Roland Otaru, (SAN) and Professor Epiphany. Azinge (SAN), at various times at the Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Ikeja, Lagos, where he enjed the support and benevolence of the then Chairman of Ikeja Hotels Plc Mr. Goodie M. Ibru., owners of Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Ikeja, Lagos and used the same facility of the Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Ikeja, Lagos as the main sponsor of the monthly meetings and annual End of Year/New Year Party of his Victory High School/Victory College Old Students’ Association for about 4 years! On 5th October, 2019, Chief Ahonaruogho was presented with Golden Jubilee Celebration Distinguished Victorian Golden Jubilee Award by the Victory High School/College, Ikeja.
Still celebrating others, Chief Ahonaruogho as a serving member of the Governing Council of the University of Benin, spared no effort in seeing to the success of grand installation of His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III mni, The Sultan of Sokoto, as the 7th Chancellor of the University of Benin, as he enlisted the support and goodwill of Alumni, notably Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN, the then Governor of Lagos State; Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, the then Governor of Delta State, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukheude, the then Group Managing Director of Access Bank Plc., and Mr. Okey Nwosu, then Managing Director of the then FinBank Bank Plc and Professor (Mrs.) Ndi Okereke-Onyuike, OON, then Director General of the Nigerian Stick Exchange.
It is on record that on 18th February, 2013, Chief Richard Oma Ahonaruogho was sworn-in by His Excellency, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN, then Governor of Lagos State as a member of the Tribunal of Inquiry into the Fire and Explosion Incidents at Ojo-Giwa Area of Lagos Island. Government White Paper published in respect of the said Panel of Inquiry gave kudos to the Tribunal for a job well done.
Still on record, Chief Ahonaruogho donated paints for the painting of the High Court of Lagos State Library during the tenure of the Honourable Justice Ade Alabi as the Honourable, the Chief Judge of Lagos State and with Mrs. Flora F. Koleosho as the Director, Library Services.
Chief Ahonaruogho was the Chief Presenter of the Book – “National Development And Human Security – Essays and Materials” published by the University of Benin in honour of a Distinguished Alumnus, the Minister for Works and Housing of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Babatunde Raji Fashola( SAN), at the Akin Deko Main Auditorium of the University of Benin on Thursday 14th November, 2019.
He was conferred with the chieftaincy title of High Chief Ogwatumise of Owo Kingdom on 14 November, 2006 by His Royal Majesty, Oba David V. Folagbade Olateru-Olagbegi III, OFR, the Olowo of Owo Kingdom, Ondo State who was then the 6th Chancellor of the University of Benin.
Chief Ahonaruogho, a widely travelled man that has touched all parts of the globe, is a consummate philanthropist and loves travelling, writing, reading, table tennis, lawn tennis, scrabble and football. He has presented papers to distinguished audience and published in journals and leading newspapers. Chief Ahonaruogho is happily married to the amiable Chief (Yeye) Mojisola Abiola Ahonaruogho, the Yeye Ogwatumise of Owo Kingdom, also a Legal Practitioner. Their marriage was consecrated on 3 November, 1990 and they are blessed with three lovely children, two sons and a daughter.
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