By Ovasa Ogaga,
Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, former Governor Chief James Onanefe Ibori, and former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege have expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Prof. Amos Agbe Utuama (SAN), a distinguished legal icon and former Deputy Governor of Delta State.
Advocate.ng reports that Prof. Utuama, who served as Delta’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice from 1999 to 2007 and as Deputy Governor from 2007 to 2015, passed away on Saturday at 77.
In a condolence statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, Governor Oborevwori commiserated with the Utuama family, the Urhobo nation, Ughelli South Local Government, and the Otu-Jeremi community.
He described Prof. 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, a scholar, and an astute politician who served with distinction,” the Governor stated.
"Throughout his service to the state and country, Prof. Utuama demonstrated commitment to the unity and development of the state."
Former Governor James Ibori, under whose administration Prof. Utuama served as Attorney-General, in his tribute to his former aide, described him as a "humble, loyal, and steadfast legal foundation" for his administration. “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,” Ibori said, expressing his deep personal loss over the passing of his trusted confidante.
Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, in his message, lauded Prof. Utuama’s dedication to justice and the rule of law, describing him as a critical force in strengthening federal stability at the start of Nigeria's Fourth Republic.
Omo-Agege in a statement signed by his Media Adviser, Mr. Sunny Areh, recalled Prof. Utuama’s influential role in the legal battles that led to the 13% derivation payments to Niger Delta states, noting that; "Having come into Chief Ibori's government as an accomplished law teacher, Prof. Utuama was very instrumental in using his stature to instill a level of stability and respect for states at a time the Fourth Republic was still wobbling as a Federation where different political parties held sway in different states.
"I recall the days where Chief Ibori initiated the legal battles that preceded the commencement of the payment of 13 percent derivation fund as enshrined in the Constitution. Prof. Utuama's stature and expertise drove the legal process that gave victory to the Niger Delta states," the former Deputy President of the Senate said in his tribute to the late Deputy Governor.
"Indeed, the Niger Delta, not just Delta State, has lost a great son. His legacy will never be forgotten and Nigeria was lucky to have had him in government at the time his calibre was desperately needed," Omo-Agege stated.
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.
