PORT HARCOURT/Nigeria: Legal icon, Senior Advocate of Nigeria and proud son of Ebonyi State, Chief Roy Ogbonnaya Umahi Nwaeze, has received a flood of tributes from across Nigeria as friends, family, and professional colleagues gathered to celebrate his birthday and his recent elevation to the prestigious rank of SAN.
In a message of goodwill, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, former National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New PDP and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led the chorus of praise, describing Umahi as a fearless legal mind and distinguished son of Nigeria. “Roy is a Port Harcourt boy and the pride of Ebonyi State—a workaholic, a humane leader, and a philanthropist of uncommon pedigree,” Eze said.
Chief Roy Umahi, who was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1990, was conferred with the title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria in September 2024. With that, he became the first from the old Ohaozara bloc—comprising present-day Ivo, Ohaozara, and Onicha LGAs—to achieve the rank, and only the third SAN ever from Ebonyi State. He is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and a Commander of the Ebonyi State Hall of Fame.
Former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim described Umahi as an “accomplished litigator” who earned his elevation through diligence and professionalism. “Before one is conferred the rank of SAN, they must have distinguished themselves in the practice of law. Roy has done just that,” Anyim stated, noting Umahi’s extensive portfolio spanning election petitions, commercial, criminal, and labour law.
The honour has also drawn attention from family and top dignitaries. General Abel Umahi (rtd.), his elder brother, said the conferment was long overdue. “Roy has sacrificed everything for his law books. His library is among the richest in Nigeria. He is not just a successful lawyer, but a successful man.”
Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State described the recognition as a milestone for the entire state. “This honour is not just for Roy, it’s for Ebonyi.”
Well-wishers poured in from all corners. The Adu Youth Forum led by Nze Ogbonnaya Ene Odii hailed his “professional excellence and unwavering dedication,” while veteran journalist Ezeako Odi declared, “Uburu is rising from glory to glory. Roy is our trailblazer.”
Others such as Benjamin Egbe and Hon. Humble Ojukwu celebrated his compassion, his leadership, and his unwavering commitment to justice and service. Hon. Dr. Nwode Hyacinth Chukwu called the SANship another “feather in his cap,” and Prince Sunny Ugwocha noted that Roy is “paying his dues every day to make society better.”
Born May 27, 1962, in Umunaga, Uburu, Roy Umahi’s journey reflects grit and grace. Raised in a family steeped in discipline and hard work, his early life was marked by modesty and perseverance. After attending Umunaga Community Primary School, he faced difficult conditions at Ututu/Ihe High School due to a chronic shortage of teachers. But that didn’t deter him.
His breakthrough came after a stint selling encyclopedias and a push from his father to pursue further education. Roy completed his A-levels in Yola and was admitted to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he graduated with an LL.B in 1989 before heading to the Nigerian Law School.
He began his career during his NYSC in Akure, making an immediate impression in court by securing early victories. His move to Jos saw him join Oba Maduabuchi & Co., before founding his firm, Roy & Associates, in 1993.
Married to Dora Ozioma Umahi Nwaeze of Imo State, the couple has raised four children—three of whom have successful careers in Canada. The family’s legacy is one of academic and professional distinction, a testament to Roy’s upbringing and values.
As tributes continue to pour in from dignitaries, political leaders, legal scholars, and grassroots communities, one thing is clear, Chief Roy Umahi’s life is a blend of intellect, compassion, and unyielding service. His SAN conferment and birthday celebration are milestones not just in his career, but in the shared pride of a grateful people.
