Amanze Chinonye
Margaret Obi has made history as the first Black woman from the solicitor’s profession to be appointed a Judge of the High Court of England and Wales. Her appointment, announced by the Lady Chief Justice and approved by His Majesty the King, took effect on October 3, 2025, marking a significant milestone for diversity and representation within the British judiciary.
According to an official statement from the Judiciary of England and Wales, Ms Justice Obi has been assigned to the King’s Bench Division, where she brings over 27 years of experience as a solicitor and seven years of judicial service. Her previous roles include Deputy High Court Judge, Deputy Upper Tribunal Judge, and Chair of the Competition Appeal Tribunal.
The appointment, which fills a vacancy created by recent elevations to the Court of Appeal and confirmed retirements, was warmly welcomed by the Lady Chief Justice, who described Justice Obi as a valuable addition to the High Court.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelFormally styled as The Honourable Ms Justice Obi, she was admitted to the Roll of Solicitors in 1998, appointed a Deputy High Court Judge in 2018, and later in 2024 took on dual responsibilities as Deputy Upper Tribunal Judge and Chair of the Competition Appeal Tribunal.
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Her elevation has drawn widespread commendation as a landmark moment for inclusion in the judiciary. Legal commentators note that she is among a small number of High Court judges to have risen from the solicitor route a professional path historically underrepresented at senior levels of the British courts.
Justice Obi, of Nigerian (Igbo) heritage, began her legal career as a criminal defence solicitor, representing clients in serious and complex cases including murder, manslaughter, and sexual offences. Her steady rise through the judiciary has been praised as a reflection of her legal excellence, integrity, and commitment to justice.
Reflecting on her journey in an earlier statement shared by the Judiciary of England and Wales, Ms Obi said her identity should not define her capability as a judge:
“I’m not a statistic. I’m an experienced lawyer with a particular skill set. My ethnic origin, gender and the fact that I am a solicitor have influenced my experience and perspective, but tell you nothing about whether I will be a good judge.”
Her appointment is being celebrated as both historic and symbolic a testament to resilience, merit, and progress in one of the world’s oldest judicial systems.
For many, her achievement underscores a powerful message: that excellence in law transcends race, gender, and background.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
