Margaret Obi, now known as The Honourable Mrs Justice Obi, has made history as the first African-born person to be appointed a High Court Judge in England and Wales. Her appointment to the King’s Bench Division in October 2025 is a landmark moment for diversity within the British judiciary. Born on May 7, 1958, to Nigerian parents who came to Britain as students in the 1960s, Margaret grew up in North London. Her parents had planned to return home, but the Biafran War of 1967 changed everything, and they decided to settle in the UK. She often credits her parents’ resilience and strong values for shaping her own dedication to fairness and justice.
Margaret Obi Profile
| Name | Margaret Obi |
| Real Name | Margaret Obi |
| Date of Birth | 7 May 1958 |
| Age | 67 years |
| Tribe | Igbo |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Occupation | High Court Judge |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Net Worth | £1 Million |
| Copied from | contents101.com |
Educational Background
Margaret attended local state schools in North London before earning her Law degree from the University of Lagos. She was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1981 and later qualified as a solicitor in England in 1998 after completing a training contract. Her education, both in Nigeria and the UK, gave her a broad understanding of two different legal systems, something that has enriched her judicial work over the years.
Career
Margaret began her legal journey under challenging circumstances. After sending out hundreds of job applications without success, she got her first opportunity working in the accounts department of a law firm. That small start opened the door to the Crown Courts across London and the South East.
In 1998, she qualified as a solicitor and, within four years, became a partner in a criminal defence firm. She specialised in serious crime, including murder, manslaughter, sexual assault, and terrorism cases.
After leaving private practice in 2014, Margaret worked as an independent legal consultant, advising international organisations and defence teams. Over the years, she has held several important public roles.
Before her High Court appointment, she also served as a Deputy High Court Judge, Deputy Upper Tribunal Judge, and Chair of the Competition Appeal Tribunal. She has often spoken about her pride in being a solicitor-judge, a rare background among High Court judges, and encourages young lawyers to stay resilient and open to opportunities.
Controversies
Margaret Obi has maintained a low public profile throughout her career and is not known to have been involved in any major controversies. Her work has sometimes drawn attention, especially her 2023 ruling on asylum seekers, but her decisions are widely respected for their fairness and balance.
Margaret Obi Social Media Handle
As a senior judicial officer, Margaret Obi keeps her personal life private and does not appear to maintain any active social media accounts.
Personal Life
Margaret prefers to keep details of her personal life out of the spotlight. What is known is that she values her Nigerian heritage deeply and often speaks about how her upbringing in a hardworking immigrant family influenced her sense of service and justice. She continues to live in the UK and is admired as a mentor and role model for aspiring African and minority lawyers.
Margaret Obi Net Worth
Margaret Obi’s net worth is estimated to be around £1 million.