Erstwhile National Publicity Secretary of the Defunct New People’s Democratic Party (nPDP), and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has invited friends and associate to join him and the global community of Chief Roy Ogbonnaya Umahi Nwaeze’s well-wishers to celebrate a learned silk of profound erudition, distinguished and fearless Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and one of the best products of God to the people of Nigeria, in commemoration of his birthday anniversary.
In a message of felicitation made available to the media, the APC Chief described Barr. Umahi as a Port Harcourt Boy and Pride of Ebonyi State, an Industrious and illustrious son of Nigeria, a workaholic and extraordinary personality, humane community leader, audacious voice and a Philanthropist per Excellence.
He said Chief Roy Ogbonnaya Umahi Nwaeze (ROUN) is a man of timber and calibre who has displayed deep knowledge and expertise in the legal profession, a private legal practitioner extraordinaire who was called to the bar in 1990, conferred as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2024, a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Arbitrators of Nigeria (FCArb) and a Commander, Ebonyi State Hall of Fame (CEHF).
His practice of law has taken him to the level where he has handled quite some tough & very challenging cases in all courts of record in Nigeria. Some of his judgments in the appellate courts have been reported in the various Law reports. He has also been engaged in serious arbitration practice.
Barrister Roy Nwaeze Umahi. Umahi who was conferred with the prestigious rank of the Senior Advocate of Nigeria SAN, September, 2024 is the first in the entire old Ohaozara local government comprising three local councils now of Ivo, Ohaozara and Onicha local government Areas of Ebonyi State to be bestowed with such honor. He actually completes the number of senior Advocates from Ebonyi State to three.
A brother to the immediate past governor of Ebonyi State and current federal minister of works, Senator David Umahi
After his conferment, he was celebrated by the national chairman of All Progressive Congress, APC, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, current and immediate past deputy governors of Ebonyi State, Mrs. Patricia Obila and Barrister Kelechi Igwe, respectively, including the Governor of Enugu State.
Anyim Pius Anyim, former Senate President and a distinguished Lawyer in his own right, highlighted that Barrister Umahi was made a SAN as a result of his hard work. According to him, “before you are conferred with the honour of a SAN in the Nigerian legal profession, you must have distinguished yourself in legal practice.”
According to Anyim, “Roy is widely regarded as an accomplished litigator and legal scholar with a diverse and extensive portfolio of cases and has represented a broad spectrum of clients, including political parties, multinational corporations, public officials and state governments. He is a versatile advocate with vast knowledge of commercial law, company law, election petition matters, criminal law, labour law, labour disputes and land law.
Goodwill message on His Conferment of the rank of SAN:
To his elder brother, General Abel Umahi (retd) , Roy Umahi conferment as a SAN didn’t come to me as a surprise to me because Roy is someone I know who sacrifices every other thing for law books and I must State that the SANship honor to Roy is long overdue describing his law chamber as one of the richest in the country.
The fact remains that “Roy is a successful person, not just a successful lawyer because as a young man, he was very hardworking.”
He added that when Roy became a lawyer, his name became synonymous with law because he invested heavily in law books and he has been consistent with that.
“If you go to his chambers today, his library is one of the most endowed in this nation,” the retired general said.
While to the governor of Ebonyi state, Francis Nwifuru the honour to Roy is one for the state. According to him, the SANship of Barrister Umahi is an elevation for the state.
FURTHER COMMENTS, CONGRATULATORY AND BIRTHDAY MESSAGES:
(1)
Osuji Halifax Nwaze in his congratulatory message: “This is a privilege awarded to him as a mark of his excellence in the practice of legal profession. This elevation is well deserved.”
(2)
Similarly, Nze Ogbonnaya Ene Odii and Onu Innocent Chidiebere, national president and national secretary, Adu Youth Forum, respectively stated: “We congratulate you on your well-deserved conferment of the prestigious Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) title.
“This remarkable achievement is a testament to your unwavering dedication, professional excellence and outstanding contributions to the legal profession. You have consistently demonstrated the highest standard of integrity and competence. The entire Youths of Uburu are indeed proud of you.”
(3)
Veteran journalist, Mr Ezeako Odi, said: “Congratulations to our learned SAN. Uburu is rising from glory to glory. More blessings ahead for our always cheerful and smiling trail blazer.”
(4)
“Happy birthday to you BOSS BARR.ROY O U NWAEZE SAN. wish you many more fruitful years ahead with good health, prosperity and happiness in Jesus name amen.
My prayer for you in this your new age is that all the things you couldn’t succeed in your previous age, will be fully accomplished in this your new age.
The Lord will be your strength forever we love you BOSS.”Benjamin Egbe
(5)
“Barr. Roy Umahi Nweze is a distinguished lawyer, seasoned politician and community leader who has made a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals and families in our community.
I have had the opportunity of working with him some years ago and can testify that he plays politics with the human face.
His tireless efforts to improve the lives of people have made him to be widely recognized and admired in Uburu and beyond.
He has unwavering commitments for justice and excellence which have earned him a reputation as a respected and influential figure in Uburu.” Hon. Humble Ojukwu
(6)
CONGRATULATIONS to our illustrious SON: BARR ROY UMAHI the Second SAN from EBONYI SOUTH ZONE this Birthday is another Feather in your CAP, more are coming because you are a man with good heart . God bless you and your lovely family IJN AMEN From Hon Dr Nwode Hyacinth Chukwu.
(7)
“Happy birthday to our Distinguished SAN.
A man of rare courage and sagacity.
A giver and a leader.
We celebrate you sir today because you are obviously paying your dues everyday to making our society a better place.
Happy Birthday Bar Roy O U Nweze .SAN.”Prince Sunny Ugwocha
(8)
Wishing Barrister Roy O. Umahi(SAN) a Happy Birthday. May our Almighty Jehovah continue to increase your coast in all aspects of your life. From: Halifax Nwaze.
(9)
“Happy birthday to our own distrigused SAN. As you celebrate another God’s faithfulness in your life, may you enjoy his unlimited favour and pleasant surprises as you gracefully age IJN. Amen” Dr. Igwe Austin
CHIEF ROY UMAHI & HIS RICH BACKGROUND
Roy Ogbonnaya Umahi Nwaeze was born on May 27, 1962, into a family grounded in discipline, humility, and a deep sense of responsibility in Umunaga, Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. His parents, Elder Joseph Umahi Nwaeze and Mother-General Margaret Umahi, were devout farmers whose unwavering dedication to hard work and moral integrity profoundly influenced Roy and his siblings. Though they lived modestly, they emphasized the value of education, integrity, and perseverance as the foundation for success.
Raised in a large and tightly-knit family, Roy internalized these core values, developing a strong moral compass, a commitment to community service, and an unshakable belief in the power of perseverance. His upbringing in a family that has made notable contributions across various sectors in Nigeria provided a fertile ground for his own path of leadership and service. The collective achievements of his family serve as a testament to the deeply ingrained values of hard work and commitment to excellence that have been passed down through generations.
Roy is married to Dora Ozioma Umahi Nwaeze, the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Sylvester Ayozie of Umuderim, Ihitte in Ihitte/Uboma Local Government Area of Imo State. Together, they have raised four children, three of whom are pursuing successful careers in Canada. Their family’s achievements reflect a strong commitment to educational advancement and professional excellence on a global scale, extending the Umahi legacy beyond Nigerian borders.
ROY AND HIS EDUCATION
Roy’s educational journey began at Umunaga Community Primary School in Uburu, where he demonstrated early promises. In 1976, he successfully passed the Common Entrance Examination and was admitted to Ututu/Ihe High School in Ihechiowa, Arochukwu. However, his secondary school experience was fraught with challenges, particularly the significant shortage of teachers. In a school with only three teachers for the entire first-year class, and progressively fewer in higher classes, Roy had to rely on his own initiative and determination to study independently. This adversity, rather than deterring him, strengthened his resolve to succeed academically.
In 1979, Roy transferred to Government Secondary School, Afikpo, in present-day Ebonyi State, where he completed his secondary education and sat for the West African School Certificate Examination in 1980. Despite the challenges he faced during his formative years, Roy’s determination to excel academically remained unshaken.
Initially, Roy believed his formal education had reached its end, leading him to join an encyclopedia marketing company in Enugu, where he worked diligently from 1980 to 1984. However, the encouragement and foresight of his father inspired him to pursue higher education. In 1984, he enrolled at the College of Preliminary Studies in Yola, Adamawa State, where he undertook the A’Level IJMB program. Roy’s hard work paid off, as he passed with distinction, earning him admission to the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, to study Law.
At Ahmadu Bello University, Roy’s academic excellence and passion for the law became evident. He graduated in 1989 with a Bachelor of Law degree (LL.B, Hons), after which he proceeded to the Nigerian Law School in Lagos, then the only campus in Nigeria located on Victoria Island. In 1990, after successfully completing the rigorous Barrister-At-Law (BL) program, Roy was called to the Nigerian Bar, marking the beginning of his distinguished legal career.
ROY AND HIS EARLY LEGAL CAREER
Roy’s first foray into legal practice began during his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year in 1991, when he was posted to Chukwuemeka Ugwu & Co., a prominent law firm in Akure, Ondo State. His very first day at the firm was a baptism by fire, as he found himself tasked with redrafting a crucial motion in a high-profile case between the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN). Armed with knowledge from the landmark Supreme Court decision in KOTOYE v. CBN & ORS (1989), Roy successfully redrafted and filed the motion. His maiden court appearance, moving a Motion Ex-parte, was a nerve-wracking yet defining moment in his early career.
Despite his initial apprehension, Roy’s performance in court earned him praise from the presiding judge, and his second court appearance—opposing a senior lawyer—was even more impactful, securing a ruling in his favor. This success not only boosted his confidence but also solidified his commitment to the legal profession.
Following his NYSC, Roy relocated to Jos, Plateau State, a city where he had no prior connections. Undeterred by the challenges of starting from scratch, he joined Oba Maduabuchi & Co., a reputable law firm, where he honed his litigation skills. In 1993, Roy established his own law firm, Roy & Associates, on Tafawa Balewa Street, Jos. The firm quickly became known for its tenacity and rigorous approach to legal practice, and Roy’s practice flourished under the motto “Survival of the Fittest,” reflecting the competitive nature of litigation in Jos at the time.
ROY THE PORT HARCOURT BOY AND HIS RELOCATION TO PORT HARCOURT AND EXPANSION OF HIS LEGAL PRACTICE
In 1996, Roy transitioned his legal practice to Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he was retained as an external solicitor by the Rivers State Government. Here, he worked closely with Olusola Adekanola & Co., Chartered Accountants & Tax Practitioners, managing critical legal matters related to the state’s revenue collection. This period marked a shift towards more corporate legal practice, though Roy’s passion for core litigation remained unwavering. He continued to engage in high-stakes litigation, balancing both corporate and commercial law with government advisory roles.
Legal Expertise and Accomplishments
Roy is widely regarded as an accomplished litigator and legal scholar with a diverse and extensive portfolio of cases. His legal expertise spans commercial law, company practices, pre-election and election petition matters, criminal law, labor disputes, and land law, making him a versatile advocate in Nigeria’s superior courts. Over the course of his career, Roy has represented a broad spectrum of clients, including political parties like the PDP and APC, multinational corporations, public officials, and state governments.
Roy’s reputation as a formidable legal mind is evidenced by the significant number of cases he has successfully argued before the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Nigeria, many of which have been reported in notable law reports. His legal contributions have shaped jurisprudence in key areas of election law and commercial litigation, making him a sought-after counsel for complex legal disputes.
HIS PUBLIC SERVICE AND LEADERSHIP
In April 2007, Roy was appointed by the Government of Ebonyi State as the Chairman of Ohaozara West Development Area (later Ohaozara West Development Centre), where he served until 2012. His tenure in public service was marked by his commitment to community development, legal reform, and governance. Upon leaving full-time public office, Roy resumed his legal practice, focusing on litigation and arbitration.
Roy’s contributions to public service extend beyond his chairmanship. He has served as a part-time member of several boards and committees, including the Ebonyi State Council on Prerogative of Mercy, the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital Board, and the Ebonyi State Law Review and Reform Commission. Additionally, he has played a pivotal role in legal reform initiatives, such as the domestication of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act in Ebonyi State.
HIS RECOGNITION AND AWARDS
Roy’s professional and public service contributions have earned him numerous awards and honors, including:
Fellow, Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (2021)
Commander, Ebonyi Hall of Fame, awarded by the Government of Ebonyi State (2022)
NYSC Certificate of Commendation for Meritorious Service (1991)
Award of Excellence as Pillar of the Abakaliki Bar (2022)
Appreciation Award by the Nigerian Bar Association, Abakaliki Branch (2018)
Pillar of Law Officers Award, Law Officers Association (LOAN), Ebonyi State Chapter (2018)
Award of Excellence by the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA NIG.), Ebonyi State Branch (2018)
HIS ELEVATION TO THE RANK OF SENIOR ADVOCATE OF NIGERIA (SAN)
In recognition of his distinguished contributions to the legal profession, Roy was conferred with the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) by the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee under the leadership of the Chief Justice of Nigeria. This elevation to the Inner Bar is a testament to his exemplary advocacy, legal acumen, and the respect he has garnered in the legal community. This milestone marks the beginning of a new phase in Roy’s career, as he continues to contribute to the development of law and justice in Nigeria.
HIS APPRECIATION
Barrister Roy in appreciation said that since he realized that the only thing that will qualify you to be called a general is to get to the apex of your profession, he never looked back until that dream is achieved. Teasing his elder brother, General Umahi, he enthused, “I am now a civilian general.” He however promised to remain humble and never take the trust reposed on him for granted.
At the event, ROUN said that he was blessed with the best brothers in the world, adding that he enjoyed the support of his children and family.
“When I say it, I say it from the depth of my heart. I have the best brothers in the universe,” Roy said.
ROUN conveyed his deep appreciation to everyone who supported him in diverse ways and those who attended the ceremony marking the conferment of the rank of SAN on him.
“Your presence at the event meant a whole lot to me and made it quite a remarkable occasion. I am indeed deeply grateful. Thanks so very much. I am equally thankful to those who wished me well but were unable to attend the event. Your love isn’t lost on me. Some people went as far as presenting some beautiful souvenirs they made for me. I am immensely thankful. May God bless you all and may you all be celebrated in the mighty name of Jesus.
Pertaining to his birthday celebration, Chief Roy Umahi stated, “I’m so very full of thanks to ALL my dearly beloved brothers, colleagues and associates for your kind words, best wishes, and prayers on the occasion of my birth anniversary. I pray God to immeasurably bless you all.
CONCLUSION
Roy Ogbonnaya Umahi Nwaeze’s life and career are a testament to the power of perseverance, hard work, and dedication. From his humble beginnings in rural Ebonyi State to his elevation to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, his journey is one of inspiration and achievement. As he continues to make strides in the legal profession, Roy remains committed to excellence, service, and justice.
Finally , let me State that ROUN is not only a legal luminary, but an extraordinary human being whose fearless pursuit of justice and unmatched generosity continue to impact lives and inspire many.
A philanthropist par excellence, your life is a beacon of hope and strength to all blessed to know you.
Today, I lift up a prayer to the Almighty God not only to bless your new age, but grant you better, brighter, and even more glorious years ahead, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
My brother, may you enjoy your new age and age gracefully!,
Congratulations and happy birthday our dear Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
