Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has said that late Prof. Amos Agbe Utuama, SAN, lived for justice, unity and progress.
The governor paid glowing tribute to the late Professor of Law, a former Deputy Governor of Delta State at a special Court Session held on Friday in honour of the deceased at the Ceremonial Hall, High Court Complex, Asaba.
Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme, FCA, represented Governor Oborevwori at the Court Session presided by the Chief Judge of Delta State, Justice T.O. Diai. Legal luminaries from different parts of the country, including the Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, SAN, attended the ceremony.
Governor Oborevwori said, “We gather today with heavy hearts but deep respect to honour the life and legacy of Professor Amos Agbe Utuama, SAN, an outstanding legal mind, statesman and former Deputy Governor of Delta State.
“Professor Utuama lived a life defined by service, scholarship and justice.
“As an academic, his work shaped legal education in Nigeria.
“As Attorney-General and later Deputy Governor, he served with integrity, humility and a commitment to unity and development. His legal brilliance helped secure historic gains for the Niger Delta, including the 13% derivation fund.
“He was not only a leader but also a mentor, a wise counsellor and a loyal party man whose love for Delta State remained steadfast even in ill health.
“I am personally grateful for the relationship we shared.
“On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I offer heartfelt condolences to the Utuama family, the Urhobo nation and the Otu-Jeremi community. We mourn with you and pledge our support during this difficult time. Let us honour his memory by upholding the values he lived for, justice, unity and progress.
“May the soul of Professor Amos Agbe Utuama, SAN, rest in eternal peace and may God Almighty grant his family and all of us, the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”
Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Delta State, Ekemejero Ohwovoriole, SAN, in address, said, “Prof. Utuama’s integrity enabled him to become a Professor of Law, Attorney – General and Commissioner for Justice, Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Deputy Governor of Delta State for two consecutive terms.
“His life journey was like a well-argued case: structured, deliberate, and impactful; and now, though he has rested his pen and the floating charge of his earthly existence has crystallized, his legacy will continue to speak in courtrooms, classrooms, and corridors of power.”
