Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, on Saturday mourned a former deputy governor of the state, Prof. Amos Utuama (SAN).

Mr Utuama died after a protracted illness at 77.

The governor’s condolence was conveyed in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon in Asaba.

According to the governor, Mr Utuama died in Warri in the early hours of Saturday.

Mr Oborevwori commiserated with the Utuama  family, Urhobo nation, the people of Ughelli South Local Government Area and Otu-Jeremi community in particular, over the demise of Mr 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 Mr Oborevwori, the deceased was a world class academic scholar whose teachings and research undertakings contributed immensely to the Nigerian legal profession and jurisprudence.

He stated, “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.”

He prayed to God to accept the deceased soul and grant fortitude to the family and friends he left to bear the loss.

(NAN)