By Sunday Apah
The Sacred Heart Catholic Cathedral in Warri hosted a poignant farewell on Wednesday as the body of the late Professor Amos Utuama, SAN, who served as Delta State’s former Deputy Governor, was laid to rest.
The funeral service drew a large gathering of notable figures from both within the state and beyond, including Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former Governors Chief James Ibori and Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, as well as Senators Ede Dafinone and Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, Speaker of the State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, along with esteemed legal professionals, religious leaders, and significant government officials.
In his tribute, Governor Oborevwori celebrated Professor Utuama as a distinguished figure from Delta State and an elder statesman whose life exemplified service, integrity, and exceptional intellect.
He reminisced about Utuama’s extensive public service, including his roles as Attorney General, Commissioner for Justice, and later as Deputy Governor, commending his dedication to good governance and the rule of law.
Governor Oborevwori highlighted that Utuama was a recognized expert in land law at the University of Lagos and encouraged his family to take comfort in the enduring legacies left by their patriarch.
The governor emphasized that the gathering was not solely a time for grief, but a chance to honor a well-lived life. “We are here not to mourn, but to celebrate the accomplishments of an esteemed son of Delta,” he remarked, citing Philippians 2:21: “To live is Christ and to die is gain.”
He praised Utuama for his role as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice before becoming Deputy Governor.
“He was a legal expert and an exemplary public servant whose contributions significantly advanced the development of this state,” Oborevwori noted.
The governor spoke of Utuama’s intelligence and commitment to excellence, recalling the late professor’s influence over generations of law students, particularly at the University of Lagos.
“Professor Utuama’s exceptional intellect and legal knowledge not only enriched the legal community but also strengthened Delta State’s governance framework,” he stated, adding that Utuama “came, saw, and conquered.”
Describing him as a devoted Christian marked by profound humility, the governor encouraged the Utuama family and all residents of Delta to find strength in the legacy of the late statesman.
“His legacy urges us to pursue lives filled with purpose and integrity. Let love and peace prevail in your family, as this honors his memory,” he concluded.
The funeral Mass, led by Catholic Archbishop of Benin Most Revd. Augustine Akubeze, along with Bishops Anthony Ewherido and Hyacinth Egbebo, was characterized by prayers, hymns, and reflections on Utuama’s life dedicated to faith, public service, and family.
Additionally, during a homily, Most Rev’d Michael Odogwu Elue, Bishop of Issele-Uku Catholic Diocese, reminded Christians to prepare for their eventual journey, stating that death is an inevitable part of life.
He encouraged attendees to reflect on their own lives, posing the significant question: “If I were to die today?”
He emphasized that the celebration was in recognition of the former deputy governor’s call to eternal rest, a journey everyone must face.
While praising the Christian values demonstrated by the late Professor Utuama during his lifetime, Bishop Elue stated that “Our departed brother allowed Christian and gospel values to permeate all his endeavors.”
He highlighted that all authority is meant for service, and underscored that service devoid of humility lacks true significance.
Recalling his initial meeting with the late Utuama, the bishop described it as a meaningful encounter, noting Utuama’s deep faith and belief in the divine.
Bishop Elue extended heartfelt condolences to the Utuama family, offering prayers for divine comfort and solace as they mourn the loss of their beloved former Deputy Governor.
The funeral was attended by dignitaries, legal professionals, and political figures, all paying their respects to a man recognized as a pillar of wisdom and a beacon of public service.
Renowned for his humility, legal acumen, and statesmanship, Professor Amos Utuama, who passed away at the age of 77, left behind a legacy rich in service, integrity, and intellectual distinction.
He was interred at his home in Otu-Jeremi, surrounded by Governor Oborevwori and numerous other prominent political leaders.
