The University of Benin has emerged winners of the of the maiden edition of the Prince Richard Ahonaruogho, SAN Moot Court Competition held at the Ace Jural Court, Faculty of Law, University of Benin.
The grand finale featured a keenly contested legal battle between students of the University of Benin and Igbinedion University, Okada.
The final between University of Benin and Igbinedion University, Okada, saw students argue the hypothetical case of Adebayo Kunle versus the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the theme, “Legal Advocacy in the Age of Cyber Crime” with both teams demonstrating knowledge of the law and persuasive advocacy.
At the end of the proceedings, the presiding judge, Justice Williams Aziegbemhin announced University of Benin as overall winner with 176 points.
Certificates of participation and awards were presented to all participating institutions including Delta State University and Western Delta University, Oghara.
In his remarks, the sponsor of the Moot Court Competition, Prince Richard Ahonaruogho SAN, and other guests described the competition as a practical courtroom experience for law students.
Prince Richard speaking further on the rationale behind the competition, said it was a way of promoting academic excellence.”
“This competition is an academic cum advocacy-based initiative designed to promote excellence in legal reasoning, research, written and oral advocacy, and courtroom etiquette among law student. It brought together selected universities in a stimulating and intellectually enriching environment, fostering interaction among students, academics, legal practitioners, and members of the Bench.”
“I am thanking them for coming to do such a competition in my honour to mark my 65th birthday. I promise to give them prizes that is worth the while and will be remembered for a long time”.
Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor of UNIBEN’, Prof. Edoba Omorogie (SAN) assured that the institution will continue to sustain the training that they give their student. “Here at the University of Benin, we are not letting up despite our reputation as a first tier University. This kind of competition will prepare the students for the professional life they have chosen. It’s more like a practice session”, he noted .
Bar. Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu who was also present at the competition said the initiative was quite commendable. He thanked all the Universities that has set up their Moot Court
A moot court is a simulated court proceeding in which law students argue hypothetical legal cases before a panel of judges as a practical exercise to develop courtroom advocacy, legal research and oral argument skills.
The Criminal Law Section of the Faculty of Law Library was also commissioned in honour of Prince Richard Ahonaruogho, SAN, in recognition of his contributions to legal profession, untiring commitment to the advancement of justice, and enduring support for legal education.
