By: OrevaOghene Sharon Emethilue
orevaemethilue@gmail.com
It was Francis Bacon that said: Reading Makes a Man, Writing Makes a Prepared Man and Speaking Makes a Complete Man
So for Hon Justice E.F Ikponmwen FCEIJ-Former Chief Judge of Edo State and Mrs Gladys Omage-,Dual Jurisdiction Qualified Lawyer, it could be said that both My Noble Lord and the eclectic lawyer are both complete and accomplished Jurist and Practitioner respectively .This is because they didn’t just launch their latest masterpiece-“Trending as a Lawyer ” and “The Art and Essentials of Judgment Writing” ” today, the 13th November, 2024 at the Ceremonial Hall, New High Court Complex, Sapele Road, Benin City.
The first book titled “The Art and Essentials of Judgement Writing” authored by My Lord , Hon Justice E.F Ikponmwen FCJEI-former Chief Judge of Edo State and Mrs Gladys Omage delves into the intricacies of writing judgments and legal articles.
The Hon Justice, the Former Chief Judge of Edo State stated that the book was borne out of her desire to expound on a vintage lecture My Lord delivered at the Prestigious Benson Idahosa University (BIU) on the 27th of October, 2018. My Lord also stated categorically on the objectives of the book, inter alia that” Judgment writing is indeed an art that is exciting and at the same time very intriguing, encompassing, mental tasking and same is relatively complex. It takes a lot of effort to get a correct judgment that is void of bias and complications.
Mrs Gladys Omage Esq ,of Counsel shared her story that inspired the writing of this book and stated that “The Art and Essentials of Judgment Writing” is not just a mere book but a technical and path finding manual, that embodies real world experiences, practical insights and “ the weight of responsibility judges carry in shaping the course of justice “. Judgment writing is not just about writing, it takes empathy, precision and integrity , she enthused
Prof Violet Okosun- Aigbokhaevbo, one of the book reviewers, rated the books 4/5 and recommended same for Judges, Lawyers, Lecturers and students who are passionate about legal writing and same provide a format needed for legal writing and successes on the legal profession , the books being products of practical interfaces and experience in the Judicial and Legal Space in a multi jurisdictional mullieu
The second book unveiled by My Noble Lord , Hon Justice E.F Ikponmwen FCEIJ titled, ” Becoming a Classic and Trending Lawyer”. My Lord, The Hon Justice E.F. Ikponmwen FCEIJ, stated that she was encouraged by Mr Douglas Ogbankwa , who wanted her to do a book young lawyers after she gave a talk to some lawyers at the NBA Benin Young Lawyers Forum about a decade ago
My Lord, Hon Justice E.F Ikponmwen FCEIJ stated that there was a need to launch the referenced book to inspire young lawyers and anyone who loves to learn.Sht stated that Young Lawyers are the future of the legal profession and that putting this book together is a way of giving back to the same profession that made My Lord what My Lord is .
My Lord, Hon Justice E F. Ikpomwen FCEIJ stated that the launch of these books will aid the Hon Justice Esohe Frances Ikponmwen Foundation which was established for the mentorship of aspiring female lawyers.
The Occasion was well attended with top notch dignitaries from all walks of life. It was also an opportunity for My Lords both serving and Retired Justices to reunite after a hiatus necessitated by time and space .