Crestng Online Supporter, International Lawyer, Sebastian Townsend Ukegheson, For Burial in London Thursday

By Shola Oshunkeye

The earthly remains of firebrand lawyer, and staunch supporter of The Crestng Online, Barrister Sebastian Townsend Ukegheson, will be returned to mother earth tomorrow in London.

He will be laid to rest at the East London Cemetery, Grange Road, London, after a funeral service at the St. Margaret’s Catholic Church, situated at 79 Barking Road, Canning Town, London, starting from 13.30 GMT.

The programme for the final rites of passage for the prolific human rights lawyer and expert in international dispute and conflict resolution, was announced via a release by his employers, Stella Maris Solicitors LLP, London, where he practiced till his demise, in conjunction with the family.

A former employee of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Sebastian Townsend Ukegheson, 54, died on Thursday, December 12, 2024, in London, from complications of throat cancer which he nursed for over 25 years.

He is survived by two biological sons, aged 21 and 19, both undergraduates in London, and a 38-year-old foster daughter.

In a statement she issued to announce her foster father’s burial, Barrister Ukegheson’s foster daughter, Ofure Ojefua, urged Nigerians and people of goodwill to turn out in their numbers to give her foster dad a befitting farewell tomorrow. For those who may not be able to attend the event physically, the lady said they need not worry as the celebration of life for the departed patriot and great lover of God and nature would be streamed live.

For members of The Crest Readers Hub, the death of Benin, Edo State-born Barrister Sebastian Townsend Ukegheson is a monumental loss.

A brilliant mind who had a strong and impactful media presence, Barrister Sebastian Townsend Ukegheson was a powerful light on The Crest Readers Hub as he lit up discussions on the platform with his sharp intellect, amazing depth, and rich humour. He gave confident and thoughtful considerations to every conversation, even casual chats.

Highly knowledgeable and very articulate, Ukegheson brought timeless wisdom to every conversation no matter the subject, be it nature (which he loved so passionately), law (his first love), politics (his pastime), faith (which he expressed with his unadulterated commitment to Jesus Christ who he served till the end), business, as well as African and global affairs.

For his love for nature, his foster daughter has requested that those attending tomorrow’s celebration of Ukegheson’s short but highly impactful life should add a “touch of a flower” to their outfit for the day.

Barrister John Komolafe is the owner of Stella Maris Solicitors LLP, a law firm located in Swindon, South West of England, where the late Ukegheson worked till he died. The firm, which thumbs its chest with an array of highly qualified, multilingual lawyers, provides a wide range of professional legal services in the United Kingdom.

Barrister Komolafe almost choked with tears on Wednesday as he recalled life with the late Ukegheson since their paths crossed in 2011.

He described the departed Barrister as one of the brightest and loveliest stars of Stella Maris.

“He was exceptionally brilliant,” Komolafe said. “He was an excellent team player who soaked himself in his work and delivered on every aspect of our corporate objectives. There was never a dull moment with Sebastian. Despite his health challenges, he was loveable, fiercely loyal, and very accommodating. He bore his affliction with stoic faith in Jesus Christ. I know we shall meet again at the feet of Christ on resurrection day.”