Former Delta State Deputy Governor, Prof. Amos Agbe Utuama (SAN) is dead.
He reportedly died in Warri in the early hours of Saturday after a protracted illness. He was aged 77.
Utuama, who hailed from Otughievwen (Otu-Jeremi) town in Ughelli South Local Government Area of the state, served as deputy governor from 2007 to 2015 during the two-term tenure of Governor Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan.
He was also the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice during the tenure of Chief James Ibori.
Utuama was also the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of Delta State under the administration of former Governor James Ibori.
Professor Utuama was a Law lecturer at the University of Lagos, before his political sojourn
His death comes barely a year after his wife, Dr. Newly Utuama, passed.
Read Also: Concerns as silent rage of hazardous pollution threatens air quality
Expectedly, the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has sent condolences to the family of the late Utuama.
Oborevwori’s condolence was contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon in Asaba.
Governor Oborevwori commiserated with the family, Urhobo nation, the people of Ughelli South Local Government Area and Otu-Jeremi community in particular, over the demise of Professor Amos Agbe Utuama.
He noted that the departed Utuama was a renowned law teacher and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, who excelled as Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of the state from 1999 to 2007 and later as Deputy Governor of the state from 2007 to 2015.
According to the governor, the deceased was a world class academic scholar whose teachings and research undertakings had contributed immensely to the Nigerian legal profession and jurisprudence.
He said: “On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I mourn the passing of a gentleman, a scholar and astute politician, Professor Amos Agbe Utuama, SAN who passed on in Warri on Saturday.
“I received the devastating news of his death with great shock. He was a gentleman-politician, and scholar who distinguished himself in the service of his people, first, as Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of the state and later as Deputy Governor of the state.
“Throughout his service to the state and country, Prof. Utuama demonstrated commitment to the unity and development of the state.”
The governor prayed to God to accept the deceased’s soul and grant fortitude to the family and friends he left to bear the loss.
Chief James Ibori in his tribute described the late Utuama as a humble, loyal aide who executed his duties with utmost professionalism during his lifetime.
He wrote “Professor Amos Agbe Utuama, my humble, loyal, and esteemed Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice. You were my steadfast legal foundation, executing your duties with unwavering commitment. If it were within my power to halt death, I would have done so for you. Farewell, dear Professor. May your pure soul rest in eternal peace.”