Life & Work
A chronicle of seven decades in service of the law.
From a quiet childhood in Asaba to the heights of the Nigerian Bar, his was a life of patient, deliberate accumulation — of knowledge, of friendships, and of the trust of those who needed an advocate.
Milestones
1958
01
Born in Ubulu-Uku
Born on 9 March 1958 to the family of late Paul and Rebecca Obishai of Ubulu-Uku in Aniocha-South Local Government, Delta State. The fourth of nine children, he exhibited from childhood the diligence, discipline, and commitment to excellence that would later define his life.
1964
02
Early Schooling at Abbott International
Began his educational journey at Abbott International School, Sapele. His early schooling was temporarily disrupted by the Nigerian civil war, which forced his family's relocation to Ubulu-Uku, where he continued at CMS Primary School.
1972
03
Saint Anthony's College, Ubulu-Uku
Secured admission into the enviable Saint Anthony's College, Ubulu-Uku, completing his secondary education in 1977. His brilliant performance in the West African Examination earned him an immediate teaching appointment at the same college from the then Bendel State Government.
1980
04
Read Law at the University of Ife
Left teaching to pursue his calling, studying Law at the University of Ife, Ile-Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University). He graduated in 1984 with Second Class Honours.
1985
05
Called to the Nigerian Bar
After the Nigerian Law School, Lagos Campus, he was called to the Nigerian Bar as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria on 22 August 1985. He served his NYSC at the Ogun State Ministry of Justice, Ijebu-Ode, as a pupilage State Counsel, then briefly engaged in private practice in Lagos.
1987
06
Joined Gally Brown Peterside SAN
Relocated to Jos, Plateau State, joining the reputable firm of the late Gally Brown Peterside SAN. Through hard work and exceptional legal insight, he rose rapidly, attaining the rank of Head of Chambers by 1990.
1987
07
Married Theresa at St Jarlath's, Bukuru
On 26 December 1987, he married the love of his life, Mrs. Theresa Obishai, at St Jarlath's Catholic Church, Bukuru, Jos. The marriage is blessed with seven children, three of whom followed in their father's footsteps as legal practitioners.
1992
08
Founded Charles Nwanne Obishai & Co.
Established his own firm in Jos in September 1992, later expanding its presence to Abuja. He nurtured the chambers into a place of legal excellence and mentorship, deeply committed to guiding the next generation of young lawyers.
2012
09
Conferred with the Rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria
On 12 September 2012, in recognition of his immense hard work and outstanding contributions to the legal profession, he was conferred with the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria — the first person from Ubulu-Uku, Delta State, ever to attain this distinguished honour.
2026
10
A Peaceful Passing
Charles Nwanne Obishai passed on 21 March 2026, leaving behind a legacy of excellence, honour, and enduring impact. He is survived by his beloved wife, children, grandchildren, siblings, and a host of relatives, friends, colleagues, and mentees who will continue to cherish his memory.
In his own words
“The law is not a profession of cleverness. It is a discipline of attention — to facts, to people, and to the long consequences of small decisions.”