By Ochuko Akuopha, Asaba

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori has sent condolences to the family of the former Deputy Governor of the state, Professor Amos Agbe Utuama (SAN).

Professor Utuama reportedly died in Warri in the early hours of Saturday after a protracted illness. He was aged 77.

Oborevwori’s condolence was contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon in Asaba.

Governor Oborevwori commiserated with the family, the Urhobo nation, the people of Ughelli South Local Government Area and the 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 God to accept the deceased’s soul and grant fortitude to the family and friends he left to bear the loss.