Azinge: Born to Serve

By Ifeoha Azikiwe

Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge is an erudite Professor of Constitutional Law with admirable scholarly attributes: 42 years at the bar; 42 years in crowded lecture halls, impacting knowledge and building prodigies at the Bar and Bench.

“Born To Serve” chronicles the “Aba Boy” at 66, and his services from formative years to retirement as Director General, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, - “Nigerian Law Abode,” – the apex of legal education in Nigeria. He is currently among the jurists of the Commonwealth Secretariat Arbitral Tribunal in London, representing Nigeria.

Every stage of his life is eventful. At St. Patrick’s College, Asaba, he once declared a “state of emergency” as a school prefect, and graduated tops. At the London School of Economics where he acquired his doctorate, he became popular as “Zinge,” due to his intellect, and earned a distinction.

He has grown unimaginably in status to become a man of exemplary character and great achievements in public administration, philanthropy and service to God and humanity.

Azinge served three attorneys general, and ministers of justice as special assistant and legal adviser at Nigeria’s most challenging period in history, covering draconian military regimes of Ibrahim Babangida and Sani Abacha. He recalls sadly, June 12 1993, the execution of the “Ogoni Nine,” and the Bakassi border dispute that Nigeria lost to Cameroun.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jun 8, 2022
• ISBN: 9781665555197

Ifeoha Azikiwe

Ifeoha Azikiwe, prolific Nigerian writer, journalist and diplomat, served as Director of Information, ECOWAS Mission, Abidjan, Cote’ d’Ivoire, during the Ivorian conflict. Educated in Nigeria, Ghana and France, he was crowned the Odogwu (Traditional Warlord) of Igbodo Kingdom in 2019. His other published works include: “Memoirs Of A Patriot” (2002); “Africa: Conflict Resolution And International Diplomacy” (First Edition, 2009); “Nigeria: Echoes Of A Century, 1914-2014” (Volumes I & II, 2013); Asagba: Professor Joseph Chike Edozien: His Thoughts, Words, Vision” (2015); and “Africa: Conflict Resolution And International Diplomacy” (Second Edition, 2022).

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© 2022 Ifeoha Azikiwe. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 05/31/2022

ISBN: 978-1-6655-5496-1 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6655-5495-4 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-6655-5519-7 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2022905235

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Contents

Dedication

Acknowledgements

Foreword

Preface

Introduction

Chapter One

Parentage And Birth Of The Aba Boy

Chapter Two

Formative Years At Saint Patrick’s College, Asaba

Chapter Three

The Quest For Knowledge And Educational Pursuits

Chapter Four

Twelve Years At The University Of Benin

Chapter Five

Odyssey Of A Special Assistant

Chapter Six

Sojourn At The Nigerian Institute Of Advanced Legal Studies

Chapter Seven

Stop-Over At Other Universities And Institutions

Chapter Eight

Stewardship As Director General, Nigerian Institute Of Advanced Legal Studies

Chapter Nine

Specific Initiatives At The Nigerian Institute Of Advanced Legal Studies

Chapter Ten

My Philosophy: Why I Went Into Teaching

Chapter Eleven

Member Of The Commonwealth Secretariat Arbitral Tribunal

Chapter Twelve

Okilolo: The Great Philosopher Of Asaba Kingdom

Chapter Thirteen

President General, Asaba Development Union Worldwide

Chapter Fourteen

Random Thoughts On Nigeria

Chapter Fifteen

Talking Law And Constitutionalism: The Nigerian Model

Chapter Sixteen

The Lawyer As Gentleman

Chapter Seventeen

Advocacy On Contemporary Issues: Legacy Of Epiphany Azinge Foundation

Chapter Eighteen

Managing A Home Of Two Senior Advocates

Chapter Nineteen

Azinge In The Eyes Of The Nigerian Press

Chapter Twenty

Professor Epiphany Azinge: Knight Of Saint John (KSJ)

Chapter Twenty-One

Tributes and Testimonies

Appendix

Glossary

Author

Ifeoha Azikiwe

[e-mail]

[phone], [phone], [phone]

Foreword by

Honourable Justice

Salihu Modibbo Alfa Belgore CON, GCON, FNIALS

Chief Justice of Nigeria, 2006-2007

001_a_lbj6.jpg

Professor Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge SAN, at a law dinner outing

Azinge%20pg%208.jpg

In tune with tradition, Okilolo Asaba is fully dressed for a function at the Asagba’s Palace

Azinge%20Pg%209.jpg

Professing his Catholic faith, Professor Azinge, appears in his full

regalia as a Knight of Saint John International

Azinge%20Pg%2010.jpg

Dr. (Mrs.) Valarie Azinge, SAN, OFR

Dedication

T o the evergreen memory of Chief Rowland Ugboma Azinge and his wife Angelina Onyebuchi Azinge the beloved parents of Professor Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge. They toiled day and night to prepare the foundation upon which their children excelled, but did not live long enough to reap the fruit of their labour. May they continue to rest peacefully in the bosom of the Lord. Amen.

Acknowledgements

S even years ago, precisely in 2015, I did the biography of His Royal Majesty Professor Joseph Chike Edozien, Asagba of Asaba, a legend, an icon and erudite professor of medicine. He is the first Nigerian and African Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Ibadan. His professorial engagements span through Africa, Europe, America and Asia, spreading knowledge, and rendering service to humanity.

It was quite interesting, and at the same time, a challenging experience. It gave me an insight into the hidden treasures and rich cultural heritage of a people who found comfort living by the bank of the majestic River Niger. The link to that project is Professor Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge.

Today, from the same desk, I have the honour and privilege to author the biography of the same Professor Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, another quintessential professor, a patriot and illustrious son, Olinzele and Okilolo, the great philosopher of Ahaba Kingdom

Coming back-to-back, both titles add to the swell of my publications with Authorhouse, Bloomington, Indiana, USA. As an author and biographer, it gives me great joy and job satisfaction, putting in print, the words and voices of great men of honour and integrity. Therefore, I am most grateful to them for entrusting their confidential records into my care. Writing becomes easier when the entity is willing to part with valuable records and information.

My challenge writing Epiphany Azinge’s memoirs, however, was management of the quantum of information at his disposal. I was astonished by the number of his friends, schoolmates, colleagues, and even his former students, some of who are already professors in their own rights, willing to testify to his personality and deeds.

For that reason, I would like to mention specifically, Obi Amuwah Obajama of Asaba who spoke sincerely on the personality of one of their own, Professor Epiphany Azinge, and his role as President General, Asaba Development Union (ADU) worldwide

Testimonies by his childhood friends gave an overview of what Azinge later became in life. In this regard, I am highly indebted to Chief Ephraim Ngozi Okotcha, Ogbueshi Okpala Ka Eze, who wrote from far away Texas, United States of America. Chief Owelle Innocent Anoliefo and Barrister Anthony Odiadi equally made valuable input as Azinge’s mates in the secondary school. Incidentally, Odiadi is the current Secretary of Saint Patrick’s Old Boys Association, under Professor Epiphany Azinge as President General. Reverend Father Jonathan Allanah, Azinge’s spiritual counsellor was very much at hand to testify. I appreciate them all.

From his main constituency, law and academics, I am impressed with the frank contributions of Reverend Father (Professor) Hyacinth Eme Ichoku, Vice Chancellor, Veritas University, Abuja, retired Honourable Justice Godwin Ejaeta Gbemre and Professor Paul Obo Idornigie SAN. Their contributions, no doubt, enrich the content of this volume.

Many thanks too, go to his former students, Honourable Dr. Ehiogie West Idahosa, former member of the House of Representatives, Abuja, Professor Nkoli Aniekwu, Professor of Constitutional Law at the University of Benin, Barrister Barbara Aninye, Dr. Richard Oma Ahonaruogho SAN and Dr. Dominic Ochenehi. They all bear eloquent testimony to the worth of Professor Epiphany Azinge as a university lecturer.

To Captain (Sir) Mark Olajide, Commander, Commendery 574, Knights of Saint John (KSJ) International, Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, Abuja, and Sir Alphonsus Okorafor, Secretary of the same Order, I sincerely appreciate their invaluable assessment of Professor Azinge’s humanitarian gesture and services to God, the Church and humanity at large, without mincing words.

To Ogbuefi Joseph Anyali, retired Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Asaba, Delta State, I say very big thanks for the interesting piece of eulogy on Professor Azinge. It added more value to my work.

Mention must also be made here of Charles Omonaide, veteran television journalist and anchorman of the popular discussion programme, Matters Of The Moment on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Benin who discovered the wealth of knowledge in the learned professor and made him a regular analyst on that programme in the 80s. His testimony says it all. Same for Dr. (Mrs.) Josephine Emebiziogo Anene-Okeakwa, Provost, Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba.

It is often said that, behind every successful man is a woman, but times are changing and the narratives are changing too. So many thoughts continue to be propagated on this age-long axiom.

Some now substitute the word, Behind to Besides, or even Before every successful man, as the case may be. But whichever you choose, I have come to realise, in the course of writhing this book that where the woman stands is immaterial. What is important is the love, peace, unity and happiness of the home.

Chief Dr. Mrs. Valerie Azinge SAN, opened up when I confronted her on how easy it is for her to manage a home of two senior advocates of Nigeria, three lawyer children and a computer engineer. Her challenge is not really managing the home in the strict sense of it, rather managing her husband’s tables and heap of books as a professor. I appreciated her so much for supporting her husband, irrespective of her own tight schedule as a legal practitioner and partner.

Like I keep saying in acknowledgements to all my books, no single individual can rightly claim credit for intellectual publications. It is a chain that connects various other persons and institutions from your first contact, through the publishers, distributors, libraries to the final reader. Unless this chain is complete, there is no book. Therefore, I would like to thank anybody who is connected in this chain for making me fulfilled as an author.

Lastly, I thank my dear wife Patricia and children, Ifeoma, Chukwuka and Nnajiofor, for creating the enabling environment for me to think straight and concentrate on my writing without undue distractions.

It is said that every successful endeavour, has the will of God at play. Therefore, to HIM be the glory for making it possible for me to add another title to my stable.

Foreword

"The future looks bleak, going by the obvious lack of enthusiasm

of graduate lawyers to remain in academics to

train future legal practitioners."

F ormer United Nations (UN) Secretary General, His Excellency, Kofi Atta Annan of blessed memory was quite explicit in his assertion that knowledge is power, information is liberating, and education is the premise of progress, in every society, and in every family.

To buttress Annan’s assertion, the great Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of the Tibetan Buddhism, expatiated those narratives as he admonishes everyone to share his knowledge as a way to achieve immortality.

Through teaching and his services as a Professor of Law, Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge falls within the evaluation of these two great men, Annan and Dalai Lama. He is a rare breed who acquired knowledge and education at a relatively young age, and shared it for the advancement and progress of the society, and to the overall benefit of mankind.

As a university lecturer and scholar in law, he has no doubt, created an unbreakable chain of knowledge with global linkages that will last from generation to generation.

I am quite impressed that his pioneering class of students, way back in 1981, have already risen to become professors in their own rights, and have also started grooming yet another set of potential academia, and great men of the legal profession, including aspiring senior advocates. Others are also making their marks as members of the Bar and Bench.

At 29, Azinge had secured a Ph.D honours degree, a rare feat as of the 1970’s and 80s, when it took donkey years for one to be decorated with such an enviable academic gown.

It is equally interesting to note that Azinge rose to the apex of learning, and became a professor at 44, notwithstanding noticeable limitations in our peculiar educational environment.

In no distant past, it was generally believed, erroneously though, that one could only become a professor at old age. That was the time professors were associated with grey hairs. And their looks actually betrayed them, to that extent.

However, the legal profession still faces great challenges ahead in the area of training. There is growing decline in the number of lawyers going into academics to train, and boost the quality of prospective lawyers churned out of our universities annually.

The future looks bleak, going by the obvious lack of enthusiasm of graduate lawyers to remain in academics to train future legal practitioners. The likes of Azinge have played their part, the future is for the younger generation.

While the number of prospective student layers continues to rise astronomically, the number of law teachers continue to decline geometrically. This is an area that must be critically addressed in the interest of the legal profession.

In my honour as the Chief Justice of Nigeria, now retired, I make bold to say that I am impressed with his wonderful contributions to the legal profession, especially in the area of teaching, training, and retraining of practitioners from the undergraduate to advanced levels.

I have monitored Azinge’s progress right from his days at the Federal Ministry of Justice, serving three different Attorneys General as Special Assistant and legal adviser at the most challenging period of military administration, and I found him to be a dependable and obedient servant.

His sojourn as Director General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, opened a new vista for the institution of law and jurisprudence in the country. And with that, there has been great improvement in, not only the quality of lawyers, but in the administration of justice in Nigeria generally.

What I feel the judiciary has missed in him, is that he never brought his talent and wealth of experience forward to sit on the Bench to deliver judgements.

Turning to specifics, I must say that the title of this book, Born To Serve, is apt and self-explanatory. And at the risk of over-emphasis, the author lucidly captures the life and times of the young scholar, a legal celebrity, who dedicated his 66 years on earth so far, to the service of his fatherland, and by extension, to the glory of God and humanity.

That is by no means an insignificant achievement. Right from his formative years, he had cultivated leadership traits and qualities that guided him throughout his 33 years working career.

A distinctive award winner during his national service, Azinge rendered 12 years of dedicated service to the University of Benin, and another six challenging years at the Federal Ministry of Justice, serving at the most critical period of Nigeria’s military administration.

Moving forward, he had three years transition as a lecturer at the University of Abuja, before moving to the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies from where he retired in 2014. And thereafter he was appointed member of the Commonwealth Secretariat Arbitral Tribunal in London. His catalogue of other loyal services to mankind, including his role as Okilolo Ahaba, and Knight of Saint John International, has been well documented and preserved herein for posterity.

I feel greatly honoured, writing the foreword to this brilliantly packaged biography, the story of one of our own, Professor Epiphany Azinge SAN, which chronicles his life and times as a legal celebrity, as well as his contributions to learning, the legal profession, and the society at large.

I am equally impressed by the editorial content of this book, which to me, should be regarded as a mid-term report since age is still on his side, and God willing, he still has more contributions to make to the development of society, and to the services of God and humanity.

A lot of intellectual thought goes into any literary work. Going through the 21 chapters of this book reveals a painstaking drive to achieve a level of excellence in content and delivery.

It shows serious dedication and commitments. Therefore, I commend the author, Ifeoha Azikiwe, an internationally acclaimed author of many titles for this wonderful effort.

This book comes at a time when law libraries are in dire need of new titles and works that would satisfy the appetite of law students. Legal practitioners, as well as general interest readers desirous of widening their scope of knowledge in the areas of law and humanity, also have a lot to gain from the experiences shared by Professor Azinge in his memoirs.

In this regard, I have the honour and privilege to recommend this great work to libraries, educational institutions and the general public, especially those in the legal field. Knowledge shared is for the benefit of everyone.

Once more, I say congratulations, and may the spirit of the Almighty Allah guide you for the rest of your life. Amen.

Justice Salihu Modibbo Alfa Belgore CON, GCON, FNIALS

Chief Justice of Nigeria, 2006-2007.

Preface

Q uite often, people ask rhetorically, "What is in a name? In the traditional African setting, there is much to it than meets the eye. It is generally believed that a man lives up to his name. In some cases, it is assumed that your name is a reflection of your destiny. (Afa onye na echie) . Therefore, traditional African names are not just given for the fun of it. Every name given to an African child, especially of Igbo extraction, has its own significance and well-thought-out meaning.

That is why, in the olden days, and even in these modern times in most families, traditional naming ceremonies attract the attention of elders and extended family members. Jointly and severally, they pray for the child’s good health, longevity, successes in life, God’s guidance, and much more. It is usually done on the seventh day of birth, depending on the peculiarity of the cultural environment.

Most traditional names are carefully chosen, either to commemorate an epochal event in the life of parents, or to document the circumstances of a child’s birth, or to reflect a special idiomatic expression of great cultural value to the family, or society in general.

Some names are tied to the general belief in the existence and supremacy of the Almighty God, such as Chukwuka (God is supreme), or Chigbogu, shortened from Chukwugbogu, literally translated to mean, (God is the peacemaker). So it was, at the birth of Chigbogu to the family of Chief Rowland Ugboma Azinge of Umudaike in Ugbomanta village, Asaba, the capital city of Delta State, Nigeria.

Equally of much significance and meaning to his parents is their son’s baptismal name - Epiphany - given to him to complete his proper identification as Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge. With the advent of Christianity, professed Christians were encouraged to take foreign names for baptism in preference to their traditional names - the beginning of the mortgage of our customs and tradition to colonial mentality.

Following the same trend, Rowland chose to name their child, Epiphany." Or was it chosen by the Reverend Father? According to the Bible, Epiphany is one of the three principal and oldest festivals of the Christian community, coming after Christmas and Easter, and celebrated annually on January 6, worldwide to commemorate the visit of The Three Wise Men to Jesus after his birth. Epiphany also recalls the manifestation of the divinity of Jesus as it occurred at his baptism in River Jordan.

So, from both the ancient and modern, Rowland Ugboma Azinge and his wife Angelina Onyebuchi Azinge were blessed with a child of great future, and true to expectations, his names have led him to great heights in life within a short space of time.

In Asaba, Azinge is a household name, and the family is generally believed to be among the first five in terms of numerical strength, popularity, education and attainment. For generations, the extended Azinge family has nurtured and cherished their family name to prominence, which they don’t want to lose because of its significance.

The meaning of Azinge is quite simple and interesting. Literally, it connotes an aura of inquisitiveness of a child who is eager to learn by hiding behind the elders and listening attentively to their conversations, or discussions at home or at meetings.

The two-syllable word Azi, (a child), and Nge, (to listen) has its full interpretation as Azi bia nge, - a child who has come to listen and learn - a child with a listening ear, or one with an insatiable quest for knowledge, plainly speaking. No wonder then, that from childhood, the young Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge developed the thirst for knowledge and eventually excelled in his chosen field of career.

From history, the enlarged Azinge dynasty of Asaba are core sons and daughters of Nnebisi, the forebear, and founder of Ahaba. British colonialists corrupted Ahaba to Asaba, like they did to many communities that have today lost originality of their traditional titles.

To the core Ahaba man, Nnebisi remains their Idol, to the extent that unless you are able to trace your origin to Nnebisi, their primogenitor, you cannot be said to be truly a full-fledged indigene. In that regard, you are not entitled to certain rights and privileges in the community, especially in leadership roles such as contesting the position of a village head or ascension to the revered stool of the Asagba of Asaba.

The Azinges hail from the part of Asaba called Umudaike. Daike is the son of Ugbomanta. Ugbomanta is the second of the direct five descendants of Nnebisi, the founder of Ahaba. Nnebisi had five male children, Ezenei, Ugbomanta, Agu, Ajaji and Onaje, hence their descendants are simply identified by their ancestral linkages, Umuezei, Ugbomanta, Umuagu, Umuaji, and Umuonaje.

Today, the family tree of Ugbomanta, the roots of the Azinges, and for that matter, Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, has metamorphosed over generations, from Nnebisi, all through to Ugbomanta, the father of Daike (Umudaike) to Ohene Azinge, the father of Rowland, the immediate parent of Chigbogu.

According to a popular Ahaba folklore, the patriarch of the Azinges possessed mystical powers. He was a Chief Priest (Ohene), and in those olden days, he had supernatural powers of divinity and prophesy. Stories are told of how he could dive into the river and remain there for as much as four days, and then emerge with all sorts of prophesies that foretell the future, and his predictions never failed. He controlled spiritual powers of divinity, and was as well, a very talented native doctor.

History also has it that the first time he surfaced out of the waters, he had shingles all over his body. According to ancient tales the Goddess of the river instructed him to settle and live wherever the stones dropped from his body. He came out wondering as was directed until he got to a place where the stones actually started dropping from his body. It was at that point he established his home and stated procreation.

We have a root that can be traced back to our ancestors. Our forefather was a Chief Priest of Asaba, an Ohene. We have instances where they said that our forefathers build here because the stones fell here, and that as he was moving, he was giving prophesies, recalls Epiphany with a deep sense of history.

In them, also reveals serious contradiction between their heritage and modernity. They were born to a family of celestial worshippers of African deity. But today, the Azinges are well established in Christianity, so much so that it is difficult to spot any of them that is not a believer of Christ anymore.

As the saying goes, Old things shall pass away, giving way to the new. That seems to be an adopted family axiom to such an extent that today, it is absolutely difficult to understand why the descendants of an Ohene Priest, a worshipper of traditional deities, would suddenly turn around to become deep-rooted Christians without exception.

Therefore, that aspect of the great heritage of the Azinges is lost. Not even an aspect of traditional medicine practices for which their great grandfather was known, is preserved for posterity, and none of them cares a chute about it.

Introduction

Azinge:

Born To Serve

Professor Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge

SAN, Ph.D. (Lond), LLD, MCIArb (Lond), OON, FNIALS, FICMC

M any great men have left the surface of this earth without putting their voice and deeds in print. By so-doing, vital information, residual knowledge and hidden historical facts are lost forever. To that extent, knowledge acquired without dissemination is selfish, therefore, useless. Professor Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge has acquired knowledge, and shared it to the services of God and humanity. This is the centrepiece of his memoirs, Born To Serve, a journey of his 66 years so far on earth.

There is no higher religion than human service. To work for the common good is the greatest creed. The words of Thomas Woodrow Wilson, college Professor, university president, and the 28th President of the United States of America. Wilson dedicated his life to the service of his fatherland and humanity, notwithstanding the scourge of racial discrimination prevalent during his tenure as American President. An advocate of democracy, he served as governor of New Jersey before he became president in 1913, and took America through World War I.

Some people are born to serve, and they serve willingly and diligently. It is innate, and no matter what, they put in their best at all times for posterity. Some are driven to serve with no special commitment other than remuneration. Such people are just there to fill the vacancy. They scarcely serve to impact humanity, and they don’t bother.

Like Wilson, Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge was, no doubt, born to serve. In the past 50 years, he has dedicated his life to the service of his nation and humanity at large, beginning from his hey days at Saint Patrick’s College, (SPC), Asaba in the early 1970s.

Right from birth, he has everything working for him - the spirit of dynamism, doggedness, diligence, hard work and patriotism. And born to serve, Azinge has been in public purview, providing valuable public services in all aspects of human endeavour, and for the general good of the society. He has an unwavering motto of service and nothing but service to God and humanity.

His formative years began in earnest at Saint Patrick’s College, Asaba, an institution that eventually laid the foundation for his successes and achievements in life. And growing up, strictly on the teachings, the dogma and doctrine of Catholicism imbibed from SPC, he reached the apex of his career, and in concrete terms, transferred his natural gifts to the service of God and humanity.

From SPC, he was admitted to read law at the University of Lagos (UNILAG). He graduated in 1979 with Second Class Upper Division, and proceeded to the Nigerian Law School. He finished from the law school in 1980, and joined the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for his compulsory national youth service, and was posted to Yola, Gongola State. It was Gongola State at that time. Yola is now the capital of Adamawa State. He distinguished himself as a corper and emerged as the best corper in the state.

Yes, destiny was on his side, and his stars began to shine. Not quite long after his return to Asaba, he got an offer from the University of Benin (UNIBEN) in Benin City, to serve in their newly established faculty of law. And for 12 years, he served the university remarkably in both academics and administrative departments.

From the University of Benin, he moved to the Federal Ministry of Justice (FMJ) on sabbatical leave, where, at various times, he serviced three Attorneys General and Ministers of Justice, as Special Assistant and Legal Adviser, between 1991 and 1997.

Epiphany left the Ministry of Justice in 1997, and made a stop-over at the University of Abuja. He was there for three years, ending 2000.

Still on the move exploring new opportunities and job satisfaction, Epiphany joined the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) in the year 2000. He was initially engaged as a Research Professor of Law. Elevated Director of Studies in 2003, he progressed to become the Director General (DG) of the Institute in 2009. He served as DG until retirement in 2014.

July 19, 2021, marked his 41 years as a lawyer. Professor Azinge has no reason to complain, rather, he remains eternally grateful to God for his successes. I must confess, it has been a memorable journey, since 1980. It has been 41 years of serious engagement in academics, public service, legal research and advocacy, as well as institutional administration and jurisprudence.

The past years have seen him as a legal practitioner and consultant to Government and Corporate Organisations, to actualise his dreams of establishing the Epiphany Azinge Foundation preparatory to promoting the Epiphany Azinge University. In education and mentoring, Azinge finds special joy and fulfilment that his 35 years as an Academic, have touched the lives of over 10,000 students, and he has also groomed a large number of Lawyers at the Bar.

Today, Professor Epiphany Azinge sits confidently on the bench of the Commonwealth Secretariat Arbitral Tribunal (CSAT) in London,