Delta Governor, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has expressed sadness on the passing of Chief Dennis Omovie, a former member of the state’s House of Assembly.

Omovie, who is the Unuevworo (Traditional Prime Minister of Ugboroke), reportedly died on Tuesday night at a hospital in Warri, after a brief illness.

Until his death, the four-time member of the Parliament was the Director-General, Delta State Public and Private Properties Protection Agency.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, on Wednesday in Asaba, Okowa commiserated with the people of Warri South and Uvwie Local Government Areas and Ugboroke community in particular, over the demise of the grassroots politician and community leader.

According to the governor, the deceased was a thoroughbred politician, who was very popular among his people, accounting for the reason he contested and won elections to represent them in the state assembly for four consecutive terms.

He said, “on behalf of the government and people of Delta, I mourn the passing of a gentleman and grassroots politician, Hon. Dennis Omovie, who passed on in Warri on Tuesday.

“The news of his passing was a terrible shock to me and the entire state. He was a gentleman-politician, and he distinguished himself in the service of his people and the state.

“As a member of the State Assembly, he chaired the Committees onPublic Petition, Legal and Judicial Matters as well as Public Accounts, and he served diligently.

"My condolences go to the family, especially his wife,Justice Mabel Omovie of the State High Court, Asaba."

Okowa prayed God to grant fortitude to those who mourn his demise and grantthe deceased's soul eternal rest.