The Life and Times of Henry Oguike. (1972 to 2021).
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Born of Friday 14 of May 1971 at the Military Hospital Yaba, Lagos State, Attorney (Sir) Henry Chibuzo Oguike was the second child and the second son of Chief (Sir) Matthew Oguike and late Lady Pauline Chika Oguike. He was born into Umuduruoriaku Kindred of Umuezikeoha Uba, Umuaka.
Few days after his birth, Baby Henry together with his elder sibling were taken to Azare in Bauchi State, Northern Nigeria by their mother to join their father who had been posted to that town. He grew up to be a much loved child.
At about the age of three (3) years, Attorney (sir) Henry Oguike was brought back to the Eastern Nigeria and stayed with his Aunt, Late Veronica Oguike of blessed memory, who was based in Owerri. When he re-joined the nuclear family, he continued and completed his primary school education at Hill top Primary School Uba, Umuaka and sat for the First School Leaving Certificate Examination and Common Entrance Examination in 1982. He passed with flying colours.
Attorney (Sir) Henry Oguike started his secondary school education at the prestigious Marist Brothers Juniorate, Uturu, Okigwe, in the present Abia State. He later joined his Dad who was the Principal at National High School Arondizuogu. Attorney Henry completed his secondary school education in 1987 and proceeded to the then Federal School of Art and Science, (FEDSAS) Aba. He was in the 1988/89 set.
As a youth, Attorney Henry Oguike was quite athletic and played football. He was at a time, a player for Uba Football team. After his study at FEDSAS Aba, he did very well and gained admission to study Accounting at the then Federal Polytechnic Uwana, Afikpo in the present Ebonyi State. He graduated with Diploma (OND) in Accounting.
Attorney Henry Oguike was very courageous and daring. He believed in God and also in the personal ability to work hard and succeed. He organized himself and left for South Africa in search of the Golden Fleece and shone like a bright Star there. He qualified as an attorney in South Africa in 2011, after graduating from the Law College of University of South Africa (UNISA) in 2009. He helped numerous other brethren to dream and join the legal profession in South Africa.
Attorney (Sir) Chibuzo Henry Oguike was the Gauteng Head and Coordinator of the Legal Ambassador of Nigeria. He provided his offices as the Organization’s operation office offering free legal consultation to Nigerians who could not afford legal representation.
His rare feat in the legal profession gained him many accolades and recognition by notable associations in the Republic of South Africa and beyond. He was indeed a giant in professional accomplishments and material wealth.
Before his transition, Attorney (Sir) Henry Chibuzo Oguike was very active and served in the following areas of human endeavours and charity works:
- Solicitor and Advocate in the Supreme Court of South Africa, practicing in Johannesburg.
- Member of the Catholic Order of The Knights of da Gama in South Africa. He belonged to Council 21.
- A good and practicing member of the Catholic Men Association (CMO), St. Mary’s Catholic Church Umuaka
- Member Igbo Lawyers Association of South Africa and legal adviser to Umuaka Aborigines of South Africa and several other Nigerian and African Associations and Unions.
- Strong financial member, Advocate and Great Philanthropist of New Umuaka Project Initiative (NUPI).
- An Accomplished silent entrepreneur.
- A strong advocate for peace and harmonious relationships among all people of Umuaka, Uba, Umuezikeoha and Umuduruoriaku
- One of the strong and dependable pillars of Oguike, Umuduruoriaku, Umuezikeoha, Uba and Umuaka at large.
- A strong and silent supporter of educational endeavours, unassuming charity, donor to the less privileged among us.
Until his death, Attorney (Sir) Henry Chibuzo Oguike was an Attorney at Law and Principal Partner, CH Oguike Attorneys in Johannesburg, South Africa. Attorney (Sir) Henry Oguike is survived by Augusta Oguike (Wife), Nnamdi Oguike (son), Ogechukwu Oguike (son), Chief Sir Matthew Oguike (father), his siblings and numerous relatives.
