The remains of the former Delta State Deputy Governor, Professor Amos Utuama have been laid to rest at his country home amidst close family members in Otu-Jeremi, Ughelli South local government area of the state.
The ceremony which was witnessed by the State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori ,several top political leaders and legal luminaries from within and outside the state followed a funeral mass at the Sacred Heart Catholic Cathedral in Warri .
In a homily, the Most Reverend Michael Odogwu Elue, Bishop of Issele-Uku Catholic Diocese, admonished christians to prepare for their last journey on earth, saying that death was an inevitable end of all mortal.
The Cleric called on christians to use the opportunity of the mass to re-examine their own lives, asking the congregation to ask themselves the pertinent question, “If I am to die today.?
He said the celebration was in honour of the homeward call of the former deputy governor, reminding christians that it was the journey all mankind would embark upon.
While extolling the christian values exhibited by the late Professor Utuama while he was alive, Bishop Elue said that “Our departed brother allowed christian values and the gospel values to impact in all his activities.”
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori described Professor Utuama as an illustrious Deltan and elder statesman whose life was marked by service, integrity, and intellectual brilliance.
He recalled Utuama’s years of public service as Attorney General, Commissioner for Justice, and later as Deputy Governor, lauding his commitment to good governance and the rule of law.
Governor Oborevwori said the occasion was not a time for mourning but a celebration of a life well lived. “We are not here to mourn, but to celebrate the life and times of an illustrious Deltan,” he said, quoting Philippians 2:21: “To live is Christ and to die is gain.”.
“He was a legal luminary and exemplary public servant who contributed immensely to the growth and development of this state,” Oborevwori noted.
Describing him as a devoted Christian and a man of deep humility, the governor urged the Utuama family and all Deltans to draw strength from the late statesman’s legacy.
“His legacy inspires us to live lives of purpose and integrity. Let love and peace rule in your family. It is the best way you can honor his memory,” he concluded.
The funeral Mass, officiated by Catholic Archbishop of Benin, Most Revd. Augustine Akubeze, host Bishop Anthony Ewherido and Bishop Hyacinth Egbebo of the Catholic Diocese of Bomadi, clergy, was marked by prayers, hymns, and reflections on Utuama’s life of faith, public duty, and family devotion.
Professor Amos Utuama, SAN, who was Delta State Deputy Governor during the administration of former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan between 2007 and 2015, died at the age of 77 years .
Sam Erhunmwunsee/FRCN Asaba
