By Young E. Freeborn, Warri
The University of Benin Alumni association, Warri Branch, at its lecture and award ceremony held recently at Osubi town, near Effurun, Delta State honoured her members, including Dr Akpo Mudiaga Odje, a Warri-based legal luminary.
Dr Odje, who was also the guest speaker at the event, in his lecture, titled, ‘The Judiciary In The Eyes Of The Storm,’ challenged lawyers to courageously criticize judgements of courts which do not reflect the truth of the law and justice.
He particularly took a swipe at the apex court on its judgements in respect of Senators Akpabio and Ahmed, adding that same did not uphold truth of the law, nor justice. He warned that if this trend continues, then the saying that the judiciary is the last hope of the common man should be reversed to eventually become the ‘Lost Hope’ of the common man.
Dr Odje concluded his lecture by quoting maverick musician, Charlie Boy, that as of today, “the last hope of the common man is the common man”.
He further recalled how he delivered the historic 25th Year Anniversary lecture of the Faculty of Law, University of Benin in 2008 under the watchful eyes of his Law teachers, Prof. Ehi Oshio and Prof. Emeka Chianu, and extolled their academic prowess and administrative qualities in the university community.
After the presentation of the award to him and other recipients, Dr. Odje dedicated the award to Prof. Lilian Salami, the outgoing Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin saying, “In 2006, I was among the first recipients of the first ever University of Benin Graduate Award established with the support of Phihenro, SAN. I want to thank this our Warri Branch of the UNIBEN Alumni for organizing this event to honour her members that are hardworking, committed and dedicated to vision and mission of the university.
“I hereby dedicate this award to Prof. Lilian Salami, the outgoing Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin. Her impacts and contributions are memorable in the development of the university. I also thank all invited guests and important personalities that graced this occasion today.”
Among those that attended the event were elder statesman and former Minister of State for Defence, Chief Rowland Oritsejafor who represented the Olu of Warri, Mr Marcel Oru (SAN), who chaired the event, representative of HRM, Emmanuel Sideso, Abe 1, the Ovie of Uvwie kingdom and other important guests from the twin cities of Effurun and Warri, Delta State.
