Who this lawyer be… sef? 5 things you should know about the late Efere Ozako

by Hauwa Gambo

Yesterday, April 17, the blogs and the newspapers were awash with news of the unfortunate passing of lawyer, entertainment industry authority, and publisher, Efere Ozako – who was confirmed dead at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital.

While musicians, comedians, actors, entertainment entrepreneurs and other paid their respects online and offline, even causing the late lawyer to trend locally on Twitter, there are many Nigerians who have wondered at the significance of the man.

Thanks to our friends at PM New, we share with you 7 things about Efere Ozako that made him an icon for entertainers across Nigeria, and young lawyers who came in contact with his transformational work.

The innovator

Ozako, a lawyer and publisher, popularised the (viral) Wetin Lawyers Dey Do Self ? programme (supported by a successful outdoor campaign) which was aimed at demystifying law and bringing it to the grassroots.

dtalkshop sticker

The publisher

He founded Dtalkshop, publishers of Takaii magazine, one of Nigeria’s premier law enlightenment tabloids and hosts of the Wetin Lawyers Dey Do Sef ?

Takaii ynaija

The lawyer

Ozako also maintained a litigation practice and was well known for the works he had done in the Nigerian entertainment industry, especially in the areas of intellectual property rights and the campaign for the new Nollywood.

Ozako had represented artistes and institutions in the industry including Ali Baba, Opa Williams, Mnet Africa and others, and played a very active role in the development and restructuring of Nollywood.. He was a member of the Federal Government committee that streamlined the functions of the National Film and Video Censors Board, which also wrote the blueprint for setting up the Motions Picture Practitioners Council.

The consultant

He was also a member of the committee that drafted the Nigeria Film Policy .

The family man

He is survived by his wife and two children.

Efere Ozako with comedian Julius Agwu ynaija

Some of the comments from industry leaders on his passing capture his essence.

“Even I constantly remind myself of the inevitability of death, Efere’s has left me totally numb. Nigerian Entertainment and & law has lost a pillar, Goodbye, the Opunkule master,” writes Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, CEO, CMC Connect.

“Efere is a nice jovial guy. He is a very hyper active. So sad that’s he’s gone,” said Justin Akpovi-Esade, PR expert and former Entertainment journalist with The Guardian.

Afro Jazz singer Funsho Ogundipe popularly known as Ayetoro said: “Efere’s contributions to building our society will stand for a longtime, even his death can’t take that away, it’s painful but his work is done and we can only be grateful he was here.”

Top female comedian Mandy said she could not believe Efere is no more. “Don’t want to use RIP cos I can’t believe you are gone,” Mandy stated.

Top comedian Gbenga Adeyinka 1st, also expressed shock over the death of Efere.

“I am still in shock. He was such a gem that always had time to solve other peoples problems. I always asked him ‘Wetin Lawyers Dey Do Sef?’ And he would reply ‘Comedians nko?’ Efere always give to people. His advice was always invaluable,” said Adeyinka.

May his soul rest.

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