Sir Louis Nwachukwu Mbanefo (13 May 1911 – 28 March 1977)
Sir Louis Nwachukwu Mbanefo is celebrated as the first lawyer from Eastern Nigeria. Born in Onitsha, he pursued an extraordinary academic and legal career that earned him national and international recognition.
Education
- Attended Methodist Boys High School, Lagos (1925–1932)
- Studied at King's College, Lagos, where he was active in cricket and football
- Gained admission to University College London, graduating in 1935 with Upper Second Class Honours in Law
- Called to the Bar at the Middle Temple, London
- Admitted to King’s College, Cambridge, where he earned a degree in History in 1937
Legal Career
- Returned to Onitsha to set up private legal practice — the first lawyer in the region
- His practice thrived due to:
- Strong support from wealthy traders in his community
- Rising land disputes, which he settled through the courts instead of tribal wars
- Handled cases across the East and North of Nigeria
- Argued landmark cases at:
- Regional Court
- Supreme Court of Nigeria
- West African Court of Appeal
- (Unconfirmed reports suggest appearances before the Privy Council)
Political Career
- Elected to the Eastern Region Parliament in 1950
- Known as an outstanding orator and effective legislator
Judicial Career
- Appointed Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in 1952
- First posting: Warri, Mid-West Nigeria
- Became Chief Justice of the Eastern Region (1961–1962)
- Appointed ad hoc Judge to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), serving from 1962 to 1966
Key Contributions at the ICJ
- Sat on the South-Western Africa Cases:
Liberia v South Africa and Ethiopia v South Africa - The case dealt with:
- Whether South Africa had properly exercised its Mandate over South-West Africa
- The Court condemned South Africa for failing to uphold the mandate
- Sir Louis’ legacy:
- Argued that even after the League of Nations was dissolved, the moral obligation of South Africa continued
- His legal reasoning was clear, forceful, and groundbreaking
Knighthood
- Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1961
- Assumed the title: Sir Louis Mbanefo, Kt.
Role During the Nigerian Civil War
- Appointed Chief Justice of Biafra and Ambassador Plenipotentiary
- Participated in peace negotiations with the Nigerian Government
- After Biafra's leader fled, Sir Louis and Major-General Philip Effiong were instrumental in ending the war
Legacy: Remembered as a man of courage and integrity who took a stand for peace during one of Nigeria's darkest times
Post-War Life
- Tendered his resignation from the bench after the war, but it was initially rejected by the government
- Devoted himself to:
- Charity and Church Work
- President, Christian Council of Nigeria
- Chancellor, Niger Diocese (since 1946)
- President, Anglican Consultative Council (1972)
- Fellow, University of London
Death and Legacy
Sir Louis Mbanefo died in 1977. While many believe his full potential as a jurist and statesman was underutilized by Nigeria, he:
- Paved the way for many Eastern Nigerians in the legal profession
- Left an enduring impact on international law, especially through his work at the ICJ
References
Sources
- Text reproduced with permission under GNU License