The African Bar Association has paid glowing tribute to the late Chief Justice Ambrose Ezeolisa Allagoa at the 3rd Memorial Lecture held in his honour, describing him as an eminent jurist whose life and work continue to shape legal development across Nigeria and the African continent.
In its goodwill message, the Association said Justice Allagoa’s legacy endures as a model of integrity, courage and unwavering commitment to justice. It noted that his scholarship, humility and judicial depth positioned him as one of the most respected judges of his era.
The Association stated that the annual memorial lecture serves as a reminder of Justice Allagoa’s values of fairness, justice and adherence to the rule of law. It added that the continued reflection on his ideals strengthens the collective resolve of the legal community to uphold the principles he championed throughout his judicial career.
The 2025 lecture, themed “Navigating the Blue Economy: The Legal and Policy Framework for Sub-National Stewardship for Coastal Communities,” drew commendation from the Association for its relevance. It urged sub-national governments to adopt stronger legal and policy structures that protect mineral resources, empower local communities and support sustainable growth.
The Association highlighted the Blue Economy as one of Africa’s most promising frontiers for economic diversification and innovation. It stressed that the full benefits of this sector can only be realized through inclusive legal frameworks, stronger intergovernmental cooperation, effective regulatory enforcement and the protection of coastal livelihoods and ecosystems.
The Association expressed confidence that the lecture will deepen ongoing conversations on sustainable governance in coastal communities across Nigeria and Africa. It praised the organizers for sustaining what it described as an important intellectual and commemorative tradition.
In a call to action, the Association urged the governments of Bayelsa and Rivers States to formally adopt the memorial lecture as an annual state-backed event. It noted that such recognition would ensure a lasting and fitting tribute to Justice Allagoa’s contributions to the legal profession and national development.
The African Bar Association concluded its message by reaffirming that Justice Allagoa’s legacy remains a guiding light for responsible leadership and the pursuit of justice in Nigeria and across the continent.
Brief Profile of Late HRH (Chief Justice) Ambrose E. Allagoa CON
Born on 24 August 1914 in Onitsha, Anambra State, Late HRH (Chief Justice) Ambrose E. Allagoa CON, the revered judge, statesman, and monarch left behind an enduring legacy of service, leadership, and national influence.
Sir Allagoa began his early education at Saint Mary’s Primary School between 1925 and 1932 and proceeded to Christ the King College, Onitsha, where he studied from 1933 to 1936. His quest for legal excellence later took him to Lincoln’s Inn, London, where he trained as a lawyer, setting the stage for a distinguished judicial career.
His public service began long before he ascended the bench. He served as Deputy Mayor of Port Harcourt from 1954 to 1958 and was elected Mayor of the city from 1958 to 1962. His judicial career took full shape when he was appointed Judge of the High Court of the Eastern Region from 1963 to 1969. He later served as a Judge of the High Court of Rivers State between 1970 and 1975 and became Chief Judge of the state from 1976 until 1979.
In 1980, Sir Allagoa was installed as the Amanyanabo of Nembe-Brass Kingdom, a position he held with distinction until his death in 2003. His influence extended beyond traditional leadership as he chaired both the Rivers State and Bayelsa State Councils of Traditional Rulers at different times, solidifying his place as a key figure in regional governance and cultural preservation.
Sir Allagoa was also a devout Catholic with major contributions to the church. He was a pioneer parishioner of Corpus Christi Cathedral and a founding member of the Knights of St. Mulumba in 1953. He later became the Pioneer Grand Knight of the St. Mulumba Port Harcourt Sub-Council from 1987 to 1997. His service to the global Catholic community earned him two Papal Knighthoods—Knight of Saint Gregory and Grand Knight of Saint Sylvester.
His national roles included serving as Pro-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin from 1978 to 1982, Pro-Chancellor of Sokoto University between 1983 and 1984, and Chancellor of the Federal University of Owerri from 1984 to 1998. He returned as Pro-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin in 1998, a role he held until his death.
Sir Allagoa also chaired several key commissions, including inquiries into the Rivers State Tourists and Hotels Corporation and the Rivers State College of Education in 1976. His humanitarian service was equally notable, serving as Chairman of the Port Harcourt Cheshire Home, Life Patron of the Nigerian Red Cross, Trustee of the Port Harcourt Club, and Honorary Life Member of the Rotary Club.
In recognition of his exemplary service, he was awarded the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) in 1978, among several other distinguished honours.
His Royal Highness, Sir Ambrose Ezeolisa Allagoa CON, passed away on 17 February 2003, leaving behind a monumental legacy of leadership, service, and commitment to justice and humanity. His life remains a benchmark for public service in Nigeria.
