Agege, Waive, Sheriff, Agas Console Ejaife Odebala, Family

By Stephanie Ikanone Odiete, Sapele

Family and friends gathered on Thursday March 25th, 2021 to say a final good bye to the the Legal Doyen, Chief Joseph Young Odebala.

The service of songs which started at about 4pm at Okotie Eboh Grammar School with members of God’s Kingdom Mission (GKM) singing and praising God Almighty for the well spent life of Chief (Barr) Joseph Young Odebala.

In his tribute to the Odebala family, the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, described the deceased as one of the most prominent figures of Delta State and the Urhobo Nation, who was known not only as an accomplished lawyer, a generous philanthropist, and a politician, but also as a community leader and devout Christian.

Adding that his lifelong support for others, especially to indigent children was most worthy of note.

“Papa lived a meaningful life and left an invaluable legacy of selfless service, and dignity in the heart of the Urhobo people,” he said.

On his part, Hon (Rev) Francis Ejiroghene Waive (MHR), member representing Ughelli North, South and Udu Federal Constituency stated that J.Y Odebala was a legal luminary whose prowess in the legal profession earned him so much respect.

ALSO READ: Sapele Political Class, Others Attend Service Of Songs For J.Y. Odebala

His words: “The “Oviolo of Okpe Kingdom” left the world a better place by the quality of children he left behind”.

Similarly, the Honourable Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly Rt Hon (Chief) Sheriff F.O. Oborevwori in his tribute said that, the passing away of Chief J.Y. Odebala came to him with shock and disbelief.

“This is not the best time for the legal icon to have passed away considering his wealth of legal experience.,” he noted.

J.Y. Odebala dedicated his entire life to the practice of law, service to God and humanity.

“His life impacting accomplishments and his imprint on law practice on law practice will long be remembered,” he added.

Hon Festus Ovie Omokiniovo Agas former SSG to the Delta State Government and Chief Strategist to Senator Dr Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa Governor of Delta State in his condolence message said that the late J.Y. Odebala was a confidant and a dependable political ally, adding that his demise has left a vacuum in the heart of those who knew him very well.

Others who sent their tributes were Most Rev Iboyi Godday, Chief P.E. Asagba, Mr Fregene Jude, Patsy Okpako Adugbo, Joseph Esivwenughwu, Charles Arijaje etc

Dignitaries who graced the service of songs include Chief Felix Anirah Member Representing Sapele Constituent at the Delta State House of Assembly, Mr Richard Randy Okotie, Mr Bright Abeke, Chief Benson Okorodudu, Mr Goodluck Arimitan, and Chief Aghogho Omiemie Adibor.

Others are, Hon Churchill Ayomanor, Hon Igho Adibor, Hon Lucky Edeh, Madam Joyce Jemirherhi, Mr Clinton Onowakpor, Mr Lucky Tiro amongst other dignatries.