November 14, 2008
Board of Directors
Nationwide Life Insurance Company
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Re: Nationwide Life Insurance Company
Initial Filing of Form S-1 for Nationwide Select Retirement
SEC File No. 333-XXXXXX
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I am furnishing this opinion in connection with the registration, under the Securities Act of 1933, of Individual Supplemental Immediate Fixed Income Annuity Contracts that Nationwide Life Insurance Company (Nationwide) continuously offers and sells. I have examined the initial filing of the Registration Statement on Form S-1, and related documents, and I have reviewed the questions of law I considered necessary and appropriate. On the basis of this examination and review, it is my opinion that:
1. Nationwide is a corporation duly organized and validly existing as a stock life
insurance company under the laws of the State of Ohio, and is duly authorized by
the Insurance Department of the State of Ohio to issue the contracts.
2. Nationwide will file the form of contract in the states where it is eligible for
approval. Upon issuance, the contracts will be valid and binding obligations of
Nationwide.
I hereby consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to this registration statement.
Sincerely,
/s/ Holly J. Hunt
Holly J. Hunt
Senior Counsel
