PROFILE OF HONOURABLE JUSTICE OBANDE FESTUS OGBUINYA, CON Honourable Justice Obande Festus Ogbuinya, CON, an indigene of Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, was born at Umuogudu-Akpu Ngbo village on 16th June, 1965. His Lordship attended State Primary School, Oriaja, Ngbo 1971-1976; Uga Boys Secondary School, Uga, Aguata LGA, Anambra State, 1976-1981; University of Nigeria, Nsukka 1984-1988; and later attended the Nigerian Law School, Lagos, after which he was called to the Nigerian Bar on 14th December, 1989. Honourable Justice Obande Festus Ogbuinya, started his legal career with the Foundation Law Firm, Ilorin, Kwara State from 1989-1990 as part of the mandatory National Youth Service Scheme. Thereafter, His Lordship delved into private legal practice and served as Deputy Managing Solicitor & Advocate at ChikeOnyali Chambers, Onitsha, Anambra State from 1991-1995; Legal Adviser to the Speaker, Enugu House of Assembly, 1992-1993; Managing Solicitor & Advocate Obande Ogbuinya Chambers, Onitsha, Anambra State, 1996-2002. After a decade of private legal practice, His Lordship was appointed a High Court Judge in Ebonyi State and served from 2002-2010, before his elevation to the Court of Appeal where he served from 2010-2016. Hon. Justice Obande Festus was thereafter appointed a Justice of the Supreme Court of the Gambia and served in that capacity from 2016-2024, before his elevation to the Bench of the Supreme Court of Nigeria on 26th February, 2024. Honourable Justice Obande Festus, had served in various capacities before his elevation to the Supreme Court. He was Chairman, Ebonyi State Law Review Committee; Chairman, Panel of Inquiry into Uburu Crisis; Member of various Governorship, National and State Assembly Election Petition Tribunals, among others. His Lordship was severally recognised by the National Judicial Council for commendable Judicial Performance, and has authored two highly regarded law books viz; “Understanding the Concept of Jurisdiction in the Nigerian Legal System” and “Guidelines for Interpretation of Nigerian Statutes”. He has also presented several papers on topical legal issues. Honourable Justice Obande Festus is a recipient of many distinguished awards and commendations for his meritorious services to the country including the prestigious National Honours Award of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).