Delta Governor, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, and the Speaker of the state Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori have expressed deep sadness on the demise of former commissioner in the state and renowned lawyer, Dafe Akpedeye, SAN.
Akpedeye, a senior lawyer, who hails from Uwheru, in Ughelli North Local Government Area, died on Monday after a protracted illness at a Lagos hospital. He was 59.
The deceased was Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Delta between 2007 and 2009.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, on Tuesday in Asaba, Okowa commiserated with the people of Ughelli North Local Government, Uwheru community in particular and Nigerian Bar Association over the passing of the renowned lawyer.
He noted that Akpedeye was a national and international lawyer who made invaluable contributions to the development of legal education and practice as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and as a law teacher at Delta State University.
He said that the departed Akpedeye was a respected professional lawyer and administrator, who excelled as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Delta between 2007 and 2009 and had over 35 years of legal practice experience ranging from litigation, arbitration and mediation to a record-breaking performance in oil, gas and energy law.
The governor described him as a “thoroughbred professional” whose contributions to society would be indelible.
“On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I mourn the passing of a gentleman and thoroughbred professional, Dafe Akpedeye SAN, who reportedly died on Monday.
“The news of his death came to me as a shock and I send my heartfelt condolences to the family, the people of Ughelli North, the Nigerian Bar Association and Delta State University on the passing of the renowned statesman and top-notch lawyer.
“He was a gentleman and brilliant lawyer of international acclaim, who distinguished himself in the service of his people and in the private and public sectors.
“In acknowledgement of Akpedeye’s enormous contributions in law practice, he was elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2004 and was recognised by the Federal Republic of Nigeria, with the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (OFR) in 2014,” he said.
Okowa prayed to God to accept the deceased’s soul and grant fortitude to the family and friends he left to bear the loss.
On his part, the Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has expressed sadness over the demise of Dafe Jude Akpedeye (SAN), saying the State has lost one of its renowned legal icons.
In a press statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Dennis Otu, the Speaker while commiserating with the Akpedeye family, Uwheru community and the people of Ughelli North Local Government Area, described the late Dafe Akpedeye as an erudite lawyer and scholar whose contributions to the body of law knowledge will remain invaluable and indelible for a long time.
According to the Statement; ” I am saddened by his death. It is a difficult and an emotional moment for me. My heart goes out to his wife, Engr Mrs Nnoli Akpedeye, the Children, the immediate family, friends and associates. He died when his wise counsel, experience and expertise were most needed. But we cannot question God why He called him now”.
“As Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice from 2007 to 2009 he discharged his duties creditably. For his contribution to humanity and national development, he was awarded the pretigous National Honour of the Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (OFR), we will surely miss him.”
The Speaker took solace in extolling the skills of Akpedeye as a well-rounded legal practitioner, a law teacher, an administrator and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
He prayed that the soul of the departed renowned legal Icon would rest in peace and that Almighty God will comfort all those he left behind and grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
