Delta Governor, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has expressed shock over the demise of Chief Milton Ohwovoriole (SAN), who died in the early hours of Friday at 80.

The governor in a condolence message to the Ohwovoriole family, signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, said the death of the legal luminary was a great loss to not only the family and Urhobo nation, but to the people of Olomu Kingdom and Nigeria Bar Association (NBA).

He said that the deceased was a distinguished legal practitioner, who served the society in several capacities, including as Chairman, Nigeria Bar Association, Ikeja branch and former President, Urhobo Social Club.

The governor described Ohwovoriole as a man of great determination and perseverance, and said that as a founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he contributed significantly to the various victories recorded by the party in Ughelli South and the state.

“Late Chief Milton Ohwovoriole was a courageous leader who always stood for truth and at every point in time, spoke his mind on any issue irrespective of who was involved.

“On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta, I commiserate with the Ohwovoriole family and the people of Olomu Kingdom and the NBA on the passing of a legal icon, Chief Milton Ohwovoriole (SAN),” he said.

Okowa urged the family to be consoled by the knowledge that their late father’s contributions to the society would not be forgotten.

He prayed that God Almighty would comfort them and all those who mourn the departed chief and grant his soul eternal rest.