Final Journey
The final journey for the late Honourable Justice Ogbogo Elijah Ejembi reached its conclusion on Thursday, 1 May 2025 as his remains were interred in his ancestral home of Adankari Akweya in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.
The burial ceremony brought together a multitude of mourners, including family, friends, legal professionals, and constituents, all united in grief and remembrance of a man who dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice.
Birth and Education
Born on April 26th, 1958, in Adankari-Akweya, Justice Ejembi navigated early life challenges, including the loss of his father at a young age. Driven by a thirst for knowledge, he persevered through his primary education at Wesley Primary School, Otobi-Akweya, and LEA Primary School Mada Station in Kafanchan, Kaduna State.
Demonstrating remarkable determination, he resigned from his position at the Nigeria Railway Corporation to pursue further studies, ultimately excelling at Government Secondary School Gboko, where he emerged as the best graduating student in 1980.
His pursuit of justice led him to a law degree from the University of Calabar and subsequent graduation from the Nigerian Law School in Lagos. He was called to the Nigerian Bar on October 15th, 1986, marking the beginning of a distinguished legal career.
Ejembi in Benue Civil Service
Justice Ejembi’s service in the Benue State Judiciary commenced in December 1987. He steadily ascended the ranks, becoming an Upper Area Court Judge in April 1989 and eventually being appointed as a High Court Judge in the 2000s. He served with unwavering dedication for 15 years on the High Court bench, earning the respect and admiration of his peers and the wider community. He retired from his esteemed position on April 26th, 2023.
Tragically, just two years into his retirement and shortly before his 67th birthday, Justice Ejembi passed away on the morning of March 28th, 2025, at the Zenith Medical Centre in Abuja following a battle with kidney disease.
Dignitaries Attend Funeral, Pay Tribute
Honourable Angbo Kennedy Agbogo, Member representing the Otukpo/Akpa State Constituency, was present at the burial. He eulogised Justice Ejembi as a distinguished son of Akweya, who served with “honour and integrity,” emphasising his lasting impact on the legal profession. He extended his condolences to the family and noted that the large turnout at the burial reflected the high esteem in which Justice Ejembi was held.
Mrs Ebesi Opoka, a leader of women, offered a poignant reflection on Justice Ejembi’s life, highlighting his fulfillment as a “jurist, father and a philanthropist” and the enduring wisdom he leaves behind. Another community leader, Mr Ben Richard, expressed deep sorrow at the premature end to Justice Ejembi’s retirement, cherishing memories of his “wisdom, kindness and generosity.”
Memoirs
Earlier, AkweyaTV reported that during his valedictory court session in 2023, Justice Ejembi had hinted at writing a memoir about his experiences on the High Court Bench, a project that sadly will now remain unfulfilled. His passing marks the end of an era for the Benue State Judiciary, and he will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to the administration of justice.
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