The Institute of Leadership Assessment and Development (ILAD) has paid tribute to Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo of the Federal High Court.
It described him as a towering figure in Nigeria’s judicial and academic spheres, whose contributions have strengthened the nation’s justice system.
In a statement signed by its director-general, Dr. Baba Ransome Adamu, ILAD commended Justice Ekwo’s enduring legacy of integrity, intellectual depth, and unwavering commitment to the rule of law.
Born on March 12, 1964, Justice Ekwo was appointed to the Federal High Court in 2008 and has since delivered landmark judgments that reinforced Nigeria’s legal framework.
“Justice Ekwo represents the highest ideals of justice as both a principle and a lived experience,” the statement read. “His life’s work reminds us that the law is not only a tool for order but a vehicle for enlightenment, equity, and national progress.”
Before his elevation to the bench, Justice Ekwo served as manager of Compliance and Litigation at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), where he played a pivotal role in enforcing the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 1990. ILAD noted that his efforts at the CAC promoted transparency, accountability, and regulatory compliance among corporate and nonprofit organisations nationwide.
A distinguished scholar, Justice Ekwo holds an LLB, LLM, MSc in Criminology, PhD in Law, and a Doctor of Laws (LLD) degree. He is also a Professor of Postgraduate Research at universities in Zambia and Mexico, further extending Nigeria’s influence in global legal academia.
His literary and academic contributions have been equally impactful. Justice Ekwo has authored several authoritative textbooks on incorporated trusteeship, education law, and drug law enforcement that serve as essential resources for legal practitioners and policymakers. He is also a celebrated writer whose novels and poetry collections—including Storm in the Will, Beyond the Yard, and The Fall of Silence—reflect the intersection of law, literature, and social consciousness.
In addition, Justice Ekwo is a renowned arbitrator and mediator whose advocacy for alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms has enriched judicial processes and promoted faster resolution of disputes.
“As we reflect on his remarkable accomplishments, we join countless Nigerians in saluting a legacy of courage, intellect, and visionary leadership that continues to shape the present and future of justice administration in Nigeria,” ILAD said.
