Tribute We said goodbye to Papa a month ago. He passed away in his sleep on Sunday as graceful in death as in life. He was a true gentleman. A man of integrity who lived life to the absolute fullest. The man who inspired me and my imagination as a child and turned the world in to a magical place of wonder. He was the greatest Jurist Nigeria ever had. Church was very important to him and he was always dressed and ready 2 hours before service. But most of all he was kind, generous, treated people with love and respect and was a man of integrity. I am so very fortunate to have known such a good man. Even blessed to have loved, respected and admired him as my Grandfather. I respected that you never spoke ill of anyone and this is something I aspire to. I loved that you were such a good husband to mama. You made such a handsome couple and enjoyed life together to the full. The world felt a better place walking out in it with you. We all have so much to be grateful to you for. Thank you for your love of life so generously shared. For your acceptance, gentleness, softness and strength. For all the laughter, stories and great conversation. Papa, you were the perfect gentleman.

TRIBUTE TO MY GRAND DAD Dear granddad your departure creates sadness once in a while, but the joy in the memories is so dear that it gently pushes aside the sadness. Death comes upon us when our work on Earth is complete. Granddad you gave your all. The time we had with you wasn’t really enough to pack in an entire lifetime of love but it was very special. We’ll miss you. JOSEPH ONUMONU OPUTA

TRIBUTE TO MY FATHER-‘ST. SYLVESTER’ LAURENCE HOUSMAN In his definition of GOODNESS opined, ‘A saint is one who makes goodness attractive’ In all my years growing up I have never come across anyone who had a grudge against you nor is your enemy. Does that make you infallible? No! I don’t think so. But Sylvester as my father is fondly called by his friends and peers made goodness attractive. Your life was a model for all to see. Growing up we grumbled because we felt you didn’t spend much time with us. You were a hundred percent committed to your career, but the little family time we shared together was indeed memorable. The periods you were either in your library, Court or delivering one lecture or the other- Mama filled up the gap beautifully with ease like that wife of a noble character in the book of proverbs. Your life was an open book for all to see. You teach with your life. You were never tired of saying that wealth is worthless if you’re not rich in the eyes of God. Odua’ Nwa Nwametu you were richly blessed. I tried to imitate your great virtues but you were always miles ahead. You are a man of peace, with a high degree of integrity, a philosopher king, a Bible scholar and a lover of humanity. To you all men are equal in the sight of God and most be treated as such. You treated the security man at the gate the same way you’ll treat a CEO. I remember vividly growing up you reminded me of your humble beginning so often that it sounded like a broken record- but that has shaped my life and I thank you for it. We disagreed on a few fronts but your gentle way of teaching with a warm smile not forgetting your intellectual sagacity was always disarming. We are grateful to the Almighty that we took the decision to relocate at the time we did. We didn’t know you were going to fall ill. It afforded us the opportunity to spend precious, super quality time with you. Thank you for visiting us in December last year. It was a special time for me to share my bedroom with you. I’ve never promised you I’ll go to the bench- but recently am thinking about it and praying too, let’s see what our Good Lord will decide. With your kind permission Papa can I share some of the secrets of your longevity? John Schindler wrote HOW TO LIVE A HUNDRED YEARS HAPPILY. 1. Do not be on the lookout for ill health 2. Keep useful at work 3. Have a hobby 4. Learn to be satisfied 5. Keep on liking people 6. Meet adversity valiantly 7. Meet little problems of life with decision 8. Above all, maintain a good sense of humor, best done by saying something pleasant every time you get a chance 9. Live and make the present hour pleasant and cheerful. Keep your mind out of the past, and keep it out of the future. NB. Papa John Schindler forgot to add No Ten, so I added it for you am sure you’ll love it. 10. As long as it depends on you be at peace with man and with God. Papa you were a man of peace. Were you perfect No! Did we have differences yes! But you made goodness attractive. I wanted you to live a bit longer but our Good and Gracious Lord decided it was time you come home. I still have a lot of learning to do from this sage of our time, your shoes are huge and humongous but we’ll give it our short. I will miss you deeply, the family will miss you, the legal world has lost an Icon, and our Nation is already missing your fatherly advice. However, we are determined to celebrate the good life you lived. You waited to celebrate Mama’s birthday, Mama is fine. We’ll do our best to take very good care of her. YOUR LIFE WAS THE TRUIMPH OF GOODNESS- Adieu Odua’Nwa Ogonim. George Ijomah Oputa

From: Florence Oputa TRIBUTES It is indeed an honor and privilege to pay tribute today to a very special person. My father Justice Chukwudifu Akunne Oputa was remarkable in so many ways. I believe he lived his life to the full and touched so many people during his time here with us. We all have great memories that we will always carry with us - memories that defined Justice Chukwudifu Akunne Oputa; memories that we will always hold dear. Allow me to share some of the special memories that I have of MY PAPI that's what I call him. As I look through Papa's life I see the many valued and meaningful roles that he played. First and foremost I see Papa as the family man. He loved his family selflessly. He was a devoted father. He took all of these roles to heart and he strove to honor, support, guide and most importantly, love his family. He was at his happiest when he was surrounded by his family - even during those inevitable tough times that life has a way of throwing at you. His devotion to his family was the foundation of his actions - the anchor that defined and shaped his life. Papi was a good friend to so many! He could be counted on and depended on always. Whether you needed sound counsel, an empathetic ear, a shoulder to lean on; companionable silence; he was your man. Ready, steadfast, willing and good fun. I remember all the times I was pregnant, how you will give me my regular shot of brandy to jump start my day, you said it keeps babies sharp, active, and happy. We were buddies I look out here today I see many, many friends and I know that they too will miss the friendship that Papa brought into their lives. I'm sure you all remember... Papa was a man defiant and the champion of others. He lived a principled life underpinned by a strong sense of right and wrong. Papa was never a man to step back from a challenge; to let something wrong stand unchallenged. Papa cared enough to act - to take a stand. Who can forget.... Justice, Justice, and Justice all the way. Papa continued to touch many others and as we look through the memories of his life. He shared his expertize with all his colleagues, he worked very hard and consistently remained a student of life. He never stopped learning. He never sat back and became complacent. He led by example and he mentored many. Papa was a role model and an inspiration to so many. A look at some of the highlight in his career only serves to emphasize his contribution to the Judiciary. Papa was a man of passion and an ardent supporter. He remained a keen sportsman and proud supporter of Tennis, Boxing and Football. It is impossible to pay tribute to Papa without recognizing the important role that spirituality played in his life. He loved God, he had character, You never went to any event or appointment late, you get your suitcase ready a month before your travel date, you get to events at least an hour and half early, most times before the celebrant. No wonder you had a healthy heart . I want to be like you, time conscious, no procrastination, you do your thing right on time and sit pretty. I will keep that. As we have traveled today through some of the wonderful memories in Justice Chukwudifu Akunne Oputa 's life - we come to realize that his quiet faith guided his actions, words and deeds. He strove always to be the best he could be - family man, colleague, friend and champion to others. My Papi, I miss you so much, but you know what ? We had an incredible time together, the last six months were MEMORABLE , you will forever be in my heart. We laughed and laughed, we danced, oooh your classical music, your hum our is indescribable in spite of the pain you were going through you made everyone around laugh. You were very right about this statement "old age is a disease which no doctor can cure" I'm glad I complimented your look every time I set my eyes on you, and you will blush and say to me ooh, that was when I was young. Thanks for the times we read the bible together. We had to form an exciting Army, members of the team were George, myself, Yvonne, Nancy, Leslie, Joey, Ashley, Not to forget Benjamin. One beautiful Sunday evening one of your Commanders Ashley read a bible passage to you, George explained further that passage of the bible, I can remember vividly it was the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10: 38-42 you responded after the passage was read to you, your dept and insight of the scripture was amazing. This was your response " ooooh Martha did not do well, she should have chosen to sit at Jesus's feet and listen to his teaching, Wisdom is food to the soul and the soul peaceful with God. YOU said that was most important at the time" I'm so glad I taped from your wealth of knowledge, every moment with you even when you were tired, weak,and in pain was a learning time. God worked it out, that my family moved to Abuja for such a time as this, I feel very privilege taking care of you till your very last breath was taken away by God. Thanks for giving me the honor of cleaning you up, prepare your last meal, fed you, and talked you into bed. I ran into town, only to get a call from home a few minutes later that I needed to run back because your oxygen circulation was poor. By the time I got back you were GONE. You didn't wait to say good bye. I was so sure you'd stay a little longer you promised when you get better we would all fly on your private jet to Oguta! You didn't tell me where it's packed. My Papi YOU NO TRY, YOU FOR WAIT SMALL It is very hard to say goodbye. You leave an amazing legacy behind. Papa left the world a better place than when he found it and for that we always be grateful. Papa I miss you greatly, and I know that everyone seated here today will miss you, but we remember you fondly and always. I love you. Florence Oputa

Hon. Chukwudifu Akunne Oputa, CFR. KSM. Kt.CSS, Kt.CSGG. 1st Chief Judged of Imo State, Justice Emeritus Supreme Court of Nig. The world is a stage and all men merely players. They have their entrances and their exits and one man at a time plays many parts. So it is that Hon. Chukwudifu Akunne Oputa, having played his part is leaving the stage in a cloud of glory and with a loud ovation. This is evident in the flow of glowing tributes; even the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria said of him “Oputa lived a long life of uncommon achievements and will be remembered among other career highlights for his celebrated Oputa Panel that investigated human rights violations”. The dirge I sing for this great son of Oguta nay Nigeria has no end as I recall his numerous achievements in academics, the teaching profession, colonial civil service and legal practice where he bestrode the judiciary like a colossus. Any wonder why the former CJN, Hon. Justice Mohammed Bello often described him as the Socrates of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. But while his contemporaries would celebrate him for being an all round intellectual, an economist, historian and a lawyer, I see and remember him as a pillar of the Oputa family, a man with a broad shoulder and open heart. He lent his helping hand in difficult situations with a disarming smile. Who is Hon. Chukwudifu Oputa? He is the youngest of the direct children of Chief Oputa Uzukwu. He showed promise early in life and was encouraged by his maternal grandmother having lost his parents very early in life. The underlying Oputa family tradition is reverence to the name Oputa and the pursuit of excellence – this Hon. Chukwudifu Akunne Oputa (now late) exemplified. Today the family can boast of many lawyers, doctors, engineers etc. Some were sponsored directly by him while others merely followed his footsteps to realize their ambition. He made it a policy to host the extended Oputa family during festive seasons for the grand children to know themselves and be able to trace the family tree. In good and bad times he was the umbrella that sheltered members of the family. Being the youngest of his peers, he set himself an arduous task of providing a casket for any of his fallen brothers and sisters. This commitment he religiously followed until he buried the last surviving child of his father two years ago. As we mourn your passage, we celebrate also your many achievements. Your life is a bold statement of unparalled service to the family, church and nation. Your contributions in the development of law shall remain a beacon to many generations to come. Your star has dimmed. You no longer belong to us but you belong to the ages. Fare thee well. Ogbuagu Philip Anozia