- We Hope To Welcome Ibori To APC Soon —Delta Gov
BY SUNDAY EGEDE
SACRED Heart Catholic Cathedral, Warri, Delta State was the venue of a solemn and emotional farewell, yesterday, as the remains of late Prof. Amos Utuama (SAN), former Deputy Governor of Delta State, was laid to rest.
The funeral service attracted a host of dignitaries from across the state and beyond, including Governor Sheriff Oborevwori; former Delta State governors, Chief James Ibori and Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa. Others were Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas (Delta South); Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, as well as senior legal professionals, the clergy and top government functionaries. In his tribute, Governor Oborevwori described Prof. Utuama as an illustrious Deltan and elder statesman whose life was marked by service, integrity and intellectual brilliance.
He recalled Utuama’s years of service to Delta State, as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice and later, as deputy governor, lauding his commitment to good governance and the rule of law.
Hence. Governor Oborevwori said it was not a time for mourning, but celebration of a life well spent.
“We should celebrate the life and times of an illustrious Deltan”, Oborevwori said, quoting Philippians 2:21 “To live is Christ and to die is gain.”
He paid glowing tribute to Utuama, saying; “he was a legal luminary and exemplary public servant who contributed immensely to the growth and development of this state.”
The Governor highlighted Utuama’s intellect and passion for excellence, recalling the late professor’s reputation as an authority in Land Law and his impact on generations of law students, especially at the University of Lagos.
“Prof. Utuama’s towering intellect and legal expertise not only enriched the legal profession but also, strengthened the governance framework of Delta State,” the governor said, adding that Utuama “came, saw, and conquered.”
Describing him as a devoted Christian and a man of deep humility, the governor urged the Utuama family to be consoled by the legacies of their patriarch.
“His legacy inspires us to live lives of purpose and integrity. Let love and peace rule in your family. It is the best way you can honour his memory,” he concluded. The funeral Mass, officiated by Catholic Archbishop of Benin, Most Revd. Augustine Akubeze, host Bishop Anthony Ewherido and Bishop Hyacinth Egbebo of the Catholic Diocese of Bomadi, clergy, was marked by prayers, hymns, and reflections on Utuama’s life of faith, public duty, and family devotion.
Meanwhile, in his homily, the Bishop of Issele-Uku Catholic Diocese, Most Revd. Michael Odogwu Elue admonished Christians to prepare for their last journey on earth, saying that death was an inevitable end of all mortal.
The cleric called on Christians to use the opportunity of the Mass to re-examine their own lives, asking the congregation to ask themselves the pertinent question, “if I am to die today”. He said the celebration was in honour of the homeward call of the former deputy governor, reminding Christians that it was the journey all mankind would embark upon.
Bishop Elue, who extolled the Christian values exhibited by the late Prof. Utuama, while he was alive, said that: “our departed brother allowed Christian values and the gospel values to impact in all his activities.” He said all authorities were given for service, emphasizing that service without the virtue of humility was not service. Reflecting on his first encounter with the late Prof. Utuama, the Bishop described it as a profound experience, noting that the deceased was a man of deep faith who firmly believed in the reality of God.
Bishop Elue extended his deepest condolences to the Utuama family, fervently praying that God Almighty would grant them comfort and solace in their time of mourning, as they bid farewell to the late former Deputy Governor.
The funeral was attended by legal professionals, and political leaders, government functionaries and captains of industries, all paying final respects to a man many described as a pillar of wisdom and a beacon of public service.
Known for his humility, legal brilliance, and statesmanship, he left behind a rich legacy of service, integrity, and intellectual excellence.
Professor Amos Utuama (SAN), who passed at the age of 77, is survived by his children and grandchildren. He was laid to rest at his country home in Otu-Jeremi, in the presence of Governor Oborevwori and several top political leaders.
Similarly, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has expressed optimism that they would welcome former governor, Chief James Ibori to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking during the requiem Mass in honour of the former Deputy Governor of the state, Prof Amos Utuama, at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, Otu-Jeremi, Ughelli South Local Government Area, Oborevwori stressed the need for unity of the Urhobo political class. Paying glowing tribute to the late Prof. Amos Utuama, the Governor highlighted his selfless contributions, saying; “I am very happy to be here today, seeing this large gathering for one man. The preaching today is not about the dead, it is about the living.
“There are many things he did while he was alive. I will mention just a few key ones. The land allocated to him in Asaba while he was Deputy Governor, he donated it to the Catholic Church and also contributed to building the church. To me, that is a kingdom investment.”
Governor Oborevwori prayed that the passing of the late Prof. Utuama would bring peace and unity to Ughelli South and the entire Urhobo nation. He extolled Utuama’s virtues, noting that he lived a purposeful life: “He lived well and died well.”
In his exhortation, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Warri, Most Rev. Anthony Ewherido, affirmed that the late Prof. Amos Utuama lived an impactful life in both the Church and society.
Bishop Ewherido condoled with the family and urged them to uphold his legacy of godliness, humility, charity, and selflessness. He described the death of a Christian as a transition to eternal glory and reminded all of the need to accept Christ while alive to enjoy eternity after physical death.
The Bishop called for continued unity among the political class for the peace and development of Delta State. Speaking on behalf of the family, Mr. Ovie Utuama, a son of the deceased, thanked everyone for their support and requested prayers during this difficult period.
