Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former Governor James Ibori, and the immediate past Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, have paid tribute to the late Prof. Amos Agbe Utuama (SAN), former deputy governor of Delta State, who passed away at the age of 77, as announced on Saturday.
In separate statements, the trio expressed “deep sorrow” over Utuama’s passing. Utuama served as Delta’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice from 1999 to 2007 and as deputy governor from 2007 to 2015.
Oborevwori, in a condolence message by his Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon, extended sympathies to the Utuama family, the Urhobo nation, Ughelli South Local Government, and the Otu-Jeremi community.
The governor described the late Utuama as a “renowned law teacher and Senior Advocate of Nigeria whose intellectual contributions significantly enriched Nigerian jurisprudence”.
On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I mourn the passing of a gentleman, scholar, and astute politician who served with distinction”, he stated.
He added, “Throughout his service to the state and country, Prof. Utuama demonstrated commitment to the unity and development of the state”.
Meanwhile, Ibori, under whose administration Utuama served as Attorney-General, described him as a “humble, loyal, and steadfast legal foundation” for his administration.
Ibori, expressing his personal loss, stated, “If it were within my power to halt death, I would have done so for you, dear Professor. May your pure soul rest in eternal peace”.
In a statement by his Media Adviser, Mr. Sunny Areh, Omo-Agege extended his condolences to the Urhobo nation, Delta State, and the entire Niger Delta region, noting that Utuama’s legacy would remain unforgettable.
Omo-Agege praised Utuama’s dedication to justice and the rule of law, describing him as instrumental in strengthening federal stability at the start of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.
He recalled Utuama’s influential role in the legal battles that led to 13 per cent derivation payments to Niger Delta states, noting that “having joined Chief Ibori’s government as an accomplished law teacher, Utuama was instrumental in instilling a level of stability and respect for states at a time the Fourth Republic was still fragile as a federation where different political parties governed different states”.
Omo-Agege added, “I remember the days when Chief Ibori initiated the legal battles that preceded the payment of the 13 per cent derivation fund as enshrined in the Constitution. Prof. Utuama’s stature and expertise drove the legal process that secured victory for the Niger Delta states.
“Indeed, the Niger Delta, not just Delta State, has lost a great son. His legacy will never be forgotten, and Nigeria was fortunate to have had him in government when his calibre was desperately needed”.
