SIR OBUNIKE CALLISTUS OHAEGBU KSJI, LLB(AWKA) BL(ABUJA) LLM(BRUSSELS) LLM(LONDON) PHD(IN VIEW)
Born to the family of late Mr. Simon and Mrs. Philomena Ohaegbu in the present Umunkwere Umudike Ukpor, Nnewi South LGA of Anambra state, Obunike began his primary education at Ebe Community Primary School in Ukpor, after which he proceeded to Community Secondary School, Ukpor (Ukpor Boys) for his junior secondary school and then to Okongwu Memorial Grammar, Nnewi for his Senior secondary school, where he sat for the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE) in 1992. In 1993 ,he gained admission to Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka where he bagged a Bachelors degree in Law in 1999 and continued on to the Nigerian Law School Bwari, Abuja and was called to the Nigerian Bar in January 2001,becoming a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
On completion of his one year mandatory National Youth Service Programme both at the National Assembly and with Festus Keyamo Chambers in 2002, he was admitted into Universiteit Brussels, Belgium in 2003 where he earned his first Masters Degree (LLM) in International Legal Cooperation in 2004. He returned to Nigeria in 2004 and again in 2005, then moved over to the University of Wales in the United Kingdom for another Masters Degree in Law (LLM) on International Trade Law in 2007.
After his educational sojourn abroad, Obunike returned to Nigeria in 2007 to take up an appointment as the Senior Legislative Aide (SLA) to a Member that represented Nnewi-North/Nnewi-South/Ekwusigo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, a position he served diligently until the expiration of his tenure in 2011.
On May 14th, 2012, Obunike and 36 others were sworn in by the then Chairman of the National Assembly and Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. David A.B Mark (GCON), as Federal Commissioner, Public Complaints Commission (The Ombudsman) in charge of the Federal Capital Territory, becoming the FCT’s pioneer commissioner. His impacts were greatly felt by all, especially the downtrodden residents of the FCT. Under his watch, the once redundant watchdog was repositioned into a potent tool for addressing injustice, promoting citizens rights, and aiding responsive governance; playing the rightful role of the Ombudsman. Despite, the fact that he represented the FCT, Youths of Ukpor benefited greatly, especially in the area of job creation through the office.
Obunike is a bridge builder, a philanthropist, and a man of enormous potential who has been using his resources to promote several good causes. He holds the traditional Ozo title of Dara Nwachinemere n’ Ukpor. In recognition of his contributions to the development of his Community, the traditional ruler of Ukpor, HRM Dr. Felix Onyimadu conferred the title of EZESINACHI N’ UKPOR on him on April 22nd, 2017.
Obunike has received numerous commendations and awards in Anambra, the FCT, and beyond for his dedication and work in promoting national cohesion through the entrenchment of social justice. Obunike joined the Knights of St. John International on December 15th, 2017.
Obunike is a lawyer and the Principal Partner with SIMPHIL ASSOCIATES in Abuja. He is currently a student pursuing a doctorate degree in Law.
His hobbies include table tennis, watching football, reading, and doing research.
