Governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, has called for honest partnership among Nigerians as he condoled the families of late Chief (Barr,) Oritsegbiten Popo Edodo, the Olorogun of Warri and former Commissioner in the defunct Bendel State and the families of Justice Silvanus Ayere Ajuyah, OFR on the death of their fathers.

At the home of the late Chief (Barr,) Oritsegbiten Popo Edodo, who is the father of Justice Alero Edodo-Eruaga of the High Court, Benin City and a former Commissioner for Local Government, Governor Uduaghan stated that the late Chief Edodo had admirable law partnership which he observed was based in trust and honesty and that he lived a life worthy of emulation.

He noted that the country would be better if Nigerians imbibe the spirit of honesty and life of trustworthy partnership in their actions adding that Deltans are proud to have had the legal icon.

“Let me, on behalf of the government and people of Delta State, condole the family of Chief Edodo. As a state government, we are very proud of what he did when alive, he was the Commissioner in charge of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during Chief Samuel Ogbemudia’s administration,” he said.

He added: “As a legal practitioner, he was also well known, he was a prominent lawyer,but what was interesting was his partnership with other lawyers which was exemplary, based on trust.

“In the political scene, we will never forget him, his legacies are there, he was a vibrant member of Itsekiri Leaders of Thoughts and in the Palace, a very respected Chief.”

Chief Charles Ikomi, who spoke on behalf of the Edodo family, thanked Governor Uduaghan for his interest in the affairs of their family and prayed that God will bless him

Governor Uduaghan also visited the home of late Justice Silvanus Ayere Ajuyah to commiserate with them on the death of their father who died at the age of 90 years.

According to the Governor, “On behalf of the government and the people of Delta State and my family we commiserate with you, the death of our elder, our leader, former President of Customary Court of Appeal no doubt, has left a vacuum in our hearts, there is no doubt that he lived a fulfilled life at 90, there is no doubt that he made his mark as a Lawyer and a family man.

“As a lawyer, we all know his track record, he exhibited a character that united the people, a lot of his judgements were straightforward and were not faulted, he was a straightforward and forthright man, we will miss him, the law profession will miss him

“He was the Chairman of Itsekiri Leaders of Thoughts, Justice Ajuyah for us as a family has been a blessing to us, you may not know him personally, but, you can know him through his children.

“We shall miss his thoroughness, we shall miss his wisdom, we pray that as he goes, God will also grant us that old age.”

The late Justice Ajuyah was the father of the State Commissioner for Justice and the Attorney-General of Delta State.

•Photo by Henry Unini shows Governor Uduaghan signing the condolence register for late Chief Popo Edodo when the governor visited the Edodo family . . . yesterday in Warri.