The Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association, Lagos Branch, Mr. Yemi Akangbe, has described the passage of Chief Ziggy Azike as the fall of an Iroko tree. Akangbe said “Ziggy Azike, a Life Bencher was until his untimely death, a very active member of our Branch who always made his views on topical issues known in public, and as necessary, privately. He was very enthusiastic about the affairs of the Bar, and always passionately advocated for the need for the Branch to build a Bar Centre.
Those of us who attended our Branch meeting in October would remember Chief Ziggy’s comments on the state of the nation, especially his views on how to rebuild the High Court of Lagos State Complex at Igbosere, Lagos, and the need for the Branch to oversee the process of contributions to the Judiciary rather than Lawyers making individual contributions, as that may undermine the independence of the Judiciary. His widely circulated recent tribute to late Adamu Maikori (father to Yahaya and Audu Maikori) and his principled stance on many issues, gives an insight into the man that Chief Ziggy was.
“Chief Ziggy had been in active legal practice for about 37 years, first as In-House Counsel with Union Bank, and then in private practice. He was the Principal Counsel at Adroit Lex & Co. Chief Ziggy was also actively involved in politics, and had in the past aspired to the Governorship of Imo State.
“Chief Ziggy’s demise is a great loss to the NBA Lagos Branch, to the NBA and to Nigeria.”
