By FESTUS AHON

UGHELLI— AGBARHO community in Edo State, yesterday, wore a mournful look following to the death of Justice Victor Ovie-Whiskey (rtd), former Chief Judge of Old Bendel State and chairman of Federal Electoral Commission, FEDECO.

Our correspondent, who was at the Ikweghu-Agbarho residence of Ovie-Whiskey at 11am, noted that a condolence register had been opened. Some of those who signed the condolence register  described the late Ovie-Whiskey as upright and a devout Christian.

Speaking to newsmen, his only son, Mr Anthony Ovie-Whiskey, said his father died at the age of 88, after being unconscious for two weeks, describing his father as “erudite and upright judge.”

The late Ovie-Whiskey hailed from Ohore in Uvwie Local Government Area of the Delta State and was survived by a wife and nine children.

Anthony, who is the eight and only son of the family, said the father after retirement and returned as FEDECO Chairman in 1983, went into farming to keep himself busy. Meanwhile, Senator Pius Ewherido, has described the late Justice Ovie-Whiskey as a God fearing man, who gave selfless service to the nation as Chairman of the defunct FEDECO.

Ewherido, representing Delta Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly in a statement, yesterday, said the death of the former FEDECO boss, was painful.

He said that, the death of Justice Ovie Whiskey was a great loss to the Urhobo nation, Delta State and Nigeria at large, noting “the current crop of leaders have a lot to learn from the quality of service rendered to the nation by the late sage without pecuniary consideration.

“The late Justice Ovie Whiskey led a saintly life of moral probity, selfless conduct and undisputed patriotic zeal. As Chairman of the nation’s electoral body, Ovie-Whiskey gave a good account of himself, his era being one of the golden moments in the conduct of elections in Nigeria.”