Life history

Chief Magistrate John Anene Ojiako (Rtd.), Ezeugo of Adazi-Nnukwu, was born on January 17, 1930, in Adazi-Nnukwu, to Chief Ojiako Ezenne of Adazi-Nnukwu, Anaocha Local Government, Anambra State, and Madam Nnufie Ojiako (née Okoli Agbada), the Ugo Gbuzuo of Ngodo Village, Igboukwu, who later settled in Aro-Ndizuogu, Orlu Local Government, Imo State. He was baptized on August 17, 1930, and received his First Holy Communion in 1937. He began his education in 1940/41 at CKC Ibekwe (infant and elementary class one). In 1942, he moved to Agulu where Anthony School now stands and completed classes two through Standard Six. In 1948, he sat for the Standard Six examination, earning 3rd position across the Onitsha/Owerri Vicariate. He also passed the College of Immaculate Conception (C.I.C.) Enugu entrance exam but was unable to enroll due to financial constraints, prompting him to relocate to Onitsha where he took up menial jobs. By 1950, he had saved enough, with support from relatives and friends, to enroll at St. Augustine Commercial School, Onitsha. In 1952, he passed the London Chamber of Commerce School Certificate Examination, as well as the Pre-Cambridge School Certificate Examination, qualifying him to attempt the Cambridge Certificate. In 1953, again aided by family and friends, he enrolled at Africa College, Onitsha, and successfully sat for the Cambridge School Certificate, the GCE Ordinary Level, and the Civil Service Examination. Soon after, he applied for government jobs and was offered positions as a railway clerk and a Produce Inspector. He chose the latter and was posted to Sapele in October 1954, later serving in Warri and Port Harcourt. During this period, he passed his GCE Advanced Level Examination and gained direct admission into London University to study Economics. Resigning from his post as Produce Inspector, he sailed for England in November 1957, funding his own journey and arriving in London with just £300. While in London, he switched his course of study to Law. On July 17, 1962, he was called to the Bar at the Inner Temple, London. He was later offered an appointment in foreign office but declined it and was determined to return home for his mother's interest. While in london his first child/son was born. On september 12, 1963 Late chief John Anene Ojiako enrolled as a Nigerian Barrister in London and then returned to Nigeria in october 1963 As Adazi-Nnukwu’s second lawyer, his community celebrated his return with a grand reception. He established his first legal practice on Uwani Road, Enugu, and his work took him across Eastern Nigeria with the touring judicial officers. After Nigeria’s 1965 elections, he joined UPGA’s legal team and was posted to Borno Province. However, in 1966, amid rising political tensions and dangers faced by Igbos in the North, he narrowly escaped from Maiduguri on Christmas Day, making his way to Jos and then back to Enugu. Relocating his practice from Enugu to Ogoja, he remained there until the outbreak of the Nigerian Civil War in July 1967, when he lost all his possessions and narrowly survived the Igbo massacres. In 1968, he married his beloved wife, Ojiako Louisa Udennwa (Enyi Achalugo), and together they were blessed with five children (three sons, two daughters) and also blessed with grandchildren.

Late magistrate John Anene Ojiako and kids