Okowa, Ibori, Others Attend Ejaife Odebala Father’s Burial

By Stephanie Ikanone Odiete, Sapele

His Excellency the Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa ably represented by the Commissioner for Finance, Hon Fidelis Tilije, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, Olorogun David Edevbie, Chief Barr Kingsley Esiso, Rt Rev Francis Ejiroghene Waive, Chief Felix Anirah, Chief Efe Afe, Hon Austine Ayemidejor, Chief James Augoye, Hon Michael Diden, Chief Eugene Inoaghan, Chief Ighoyota Amori, Hon Chris Onogba, Chief Lovette Idisi, Hon Julius Egbedi, Hon Ovie Agas, Chief London Owhofasa Akpanoko, Mr Richard Randy Okotie, Mrs Elizabeth Inoaghan, Evangelist Mrs Mary Diden, Madam Joyce Jemirherhi were among dignatries who paid their last respect as the remains of late Chief Joseph Young Odebala the legal doyen was laid to rest in his country home, Sapele.

Chief J.Y. Odebala whose demise occurred on the 4th of December, 2020 after a brief illness at the Federal Medical Center, Asaba, Delta State, was committed to mother earth on Friday, 26th March, 2021.

He began his final journey home with a motorcade procession from Obule Medical Center morgue to High Court Sapele for a Valedictory Service were legal practitioners paid him their last respect.

During the Valedictory Service, the Hon Commissioner for Justice, Delta State, Hon. Peter Mrakpor who was ably represented by E.J. Odogun (Mrs) Director of Public Prosecution, Delta State in his speech described late Chief J.Y. Odebala as a redoubtable and highly distinguished person.

In continuation, he said that J.Y. Odebala was an encyclopedia of the law.

“His assertive versed in jurisprudence and his forensic knowledge of the law and logic stood him out and endeared him as a friend of the bench across Nigeria,” he added.

The remains of late Chief J.Y. Odebala was thereafter conveyed to his country home at Reclamation Road near Okotie Eboh Grammar School, Sapele, Delta State, where he was finally laid to rest.

His Excellency, the Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa who was ably represented by Hon Fidelis Tilije while addressing newsmen said that the late J.Y. Odebala laid down a good foundation for his children before his demise.

He therefore enjoined the children to cherish the legacy of their father by living in unity so that people can continue to remember that there was a man called J.Y. Odebala.

Hon Austine Ayemidejor who spoke amongst dignitaries described the late J.Y. Odebala as a legal luminary, hard working and intelligent lawyer who was very cerebral in practicing law to the best of his ability.

Speaking accordingly, Hon Austine Ayemidejor said that the legal doyen was a role model, mentor and benefactor to many.

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“He lived a life that was beneficiary to all. I urge his children to emulate the sterling quality of their late father by following in his footsteps,” he added.

Hon Ejaife Odebala who spoke on behalf of the family said that their late father was a friend and mentor.

In his words: “My late father was a role model for us. He was also my best friend. He was one man who believed in me and supported everything that I did. He was a lawyer and so I became a lawyer by profession because of him. My father made me who I am today. I will miss him for his fatherly love, and advise. He was very outstanding and would be sorely missed by all who knew him very well.
I want to appreciate all those who came from far and near to grace the burial ceremony of my late father. Your presence and love made it a huge success,” he added.