The environmental law community recently learned of the passing of one of our preeminent scholars, Professor Charles Odidi Okidi. As a champion for nature, Prof. Okidi was among a select group of visionaries appointed as honorary WCEL members, in recognition of their outstanding lifelong contribution to environmental law. The following condolence message was prepared by Robert Wabunoha on behalf of the UNEP Law Division.
Photo: Victor Tafur
Photo: Charles Okidi
We have received with great shock the sad news of the passing on of our dear friend, Professor Charles Odidi Okidi, which occurred on 19 April, 2021.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and the entire environment law fraternity across the world on the death of a Giant of environmental law.
We will remember Prof. Okidi as the Father of environmental law in Africa, the visionary academician who advanced environmental law globally, the passionate and committed educationist who mentored very many of us lawyers, scientists, scholars and other disciplines around the world.
Prof. Okidi is also remembered as the architect of PADELIA (Partnership for the Development of Environmental Law and Institutions in Africa) in UNEP that gave birth to many of capacity building work on environmental law in Africa and other parts of the world. His founding of Centre for Advanced Studies in Environmental Law and Policy (CASELAP) has also led to the training and education of hundreds of people across Africa on environmental law and policy.
We all agree that Prof. Okidi was a kind gentleman, a man with integrity, a perfectionist, and a gentleman who saw possibilities where others saw barriers and a man who, at a personal level, made people feel special.
We wish strength and peace to his beloved wife Doreen, the children, grandchildren and the entire family.
About the Author
Photo: Robert Wabunoha
Robert A. Wabunoha serves as the Regional Coordinator of Environmental Governance for the United Nations Environment Programme, Africa Office. Robert holds a Master of Law (LLM) in Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources Law from Makerere University. He has supported the development and implementation of several national and regional environment laws and policies, multilateral environment agreements including those specific to Africa. Robert has authored number publications on various aspects of sustainable development policy and law.
