An oil and gas lawyer, playwright and author, Mr. Uche Nwokedi, SAN, has died June 28, 2024, in London, aged 64.
Famous for producing one of the largest musicals in Nigeria, Kakadu the musical, Nwokedi had shared a close connection with the art community and love for youths as well as humanity with his Playhouse Initiative which was co-founded with his wife.
He was the son of the Former Justice of the Supreme Court, Hon. Justice PK Nwokedi from Achalla in Anambra.
Mr. Uche Nwokedi, SAN was an alumnus of St. Gregory’s College, Mayfield College, and the University of Lagos, where he successfully obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Law – LLB(HONS).
His professional journey commenced as a Legal Counsel at Ashland Oil (Nigeria) Company from October 1984 to October 1985.
Subsequently, he joined the esteemed law firm of Chief Rotimi Williams’ Chambers as an Associate Counsel for a period extending from January 1986 to October 1991 serving for a period of 4 years and 10 months. In October 1991, Mr. Nwokedi SAN founded the legal practice of Uche Nwokedi & Co, Legal Practitioners, where he served as the Principal Counsel until his recent passing.
Mr. Uche Nwokedi, SAN, was widely recognized as a preeminent commercial lawyer, renowned for his expertise in commercial litigation and international commercial arbitration. His advocacy skills earned him the reputation of being a ‘calm and extremely persuasive advocate’ as acknowledged in the Legal 500 Euromoney’s Guide to the World’s leading Energy and Natural Resources Lawyers (Legal 500). Additionally, he was the Editor-In-Chief and Publisher of Nigerian Oil and Gas Cases, a comprehensive compilation of oil and gas case laws in Nigeria.
Beyond his legal illustriousness, Mr. Nwokedi, SAN, was a passionate enthusiast in the field of entertainment. Noteworthy among his endeavors was the acclaimed musical production, Kakadu the Musical, which garnered critical acclaim on its tours in Nigeria, Davos Switzerland, and South Africa. Through his youth development foundation, The Playhouse Initiative, Mr. Nwokedi SAN mentored young talents through music and drama, fostering meaningful communication and development. The Playhouse Initiative has presented various successful musicals in Nigeria, such as Jesus Christ Superstar, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, under license from the Really Useful Group, and other enthralling productions including recitals and choral concerts.
Mr. Nwokedi, SAN, was the creative force behind the renowned M-Net Africa Magic legal TV drama series, “E.V.E: Audi Alteram Partem”, which garnered accolades and nominations. He contributed insightful opinions on socio-political matters to several national dailies in Nigeria. With a keen interest in sports and sports development, he held the prestigious title of a third-degree Black Belt in Shotokan Karate and served as the President of the Karate Federation of Nigeria from 2001 to 2005.
Noteworthy among his literary works is “A Shred of Fear”, Mr. Nwokedi’s poignant memoir that encapsulates a child’s experiences during the Biafran War. Written in evocative prose, the narrative strikes a delicate balance between heartwarming and tragic, depicting the challenges faced during the war and the subsequent struggles for reconciliation.
Mr. Uche Nwokedi leaves behind his loving wife and three children.
