TYPICAL of the finality of a man’s journey, the earthly sojourn of Professor Amos Utuama ended recently as he joined his ancestors at 77 years. A two-term Deputy Governor and Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Delta State, his passing two weeks ago in Warri, was the culmination of a protracted illness which he had unsuccesfully battled against.
Despite crossing the biblical threshold of three scores and ten, Utuama’s death has generated a sense of loss and sorrow in the minds of family members, friends, compatriots, and a large number of political office holders who interacted with him in the course of his life. He reportedly made much impression on numerous persons whose paths crossed with his, both in his private life and as a public officer who served his state for 16 years.
It’s, therefore, not surprising that his passage has elicited tributes from a broad spectrum of the populace. He was not only an accomplished legal icon, teacher and scholar but also a politician who made remarkable contributions to the development of Delta State, and by extension, the Niger Delta region in the earliest years of the current democratic governance. He did that through effective use of the two offices he occupied for unbroken eight years apiece.
Among those who had spoken commendably about the departed is Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial district, former deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege and a host of other personalities. Governor Oborevwori said inter alia: “He was a gentleman-politician and scholar who distinguished himself in the service of his people, first as Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General and later as Deputy Governor.
On his part, former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, described him as a “ humble, loyal, and steadfast legal foundation” for his administration, a point of view shared by ex-Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, who stated that Utuama’s dedication to justice and the rule of law was visibly utilized to strengthen federal stability at the start of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.
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.”
As an individual, Utuama’s life was a lesson in inspiration and commitment to achieving set goals and objectives. He was one of those whose life trajectories still inspire many young persons beyond the geopolitical confine of Delta State. Here was a man who rose from the lowly status of office secretary in the defunct Bendel State public service to the enviable status of a legal practitioner and subsequently, a law teacher, and finally, a professor at the University of Lagos. But for sheer determination and abiding belief in the existentialist worldview, he would not have reached the heights he attained in life.
For us, we see Professor Utuama as a great man whose achievements also illuminate the drive and inclination of our compatriots in Delta State to pursue their dreams. Our geopolity is enriched and nourished by the never-say-die spirit, a peculiar factor that distinguish our people wherever they are found and at all times. This is one of the reasons for the numerous stories about human accomplishments in different communities of the three senatorial districts.
We, however, take solace in the life he led and the meritorious service which he rendered to our state in particular and Nigeria as a whole. While longevity is a desirable dream, the greatness of a man’s life lies with his impact in the course of his earthly sojourn. We will sorely miss him. Adieu Professor Utuama!
