DELSU Law Faculty Honours Dean, Beauty Alloh, With Book Presentation At Oleh Campus

By Andrew Ejovwo Abuza

The Faculty of Law, Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, held a book presentation ceremony in honour of its Dean, Professor (Chief) (Mrs) Beauty Alloh, at the university’s Oleh Campus in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State.

The ceremony, which took place at the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Lecture Hall, Faculty of Engineering, attracted eminent personalities from the judiciary, academia, traditional institutions, the legal profession and other sectors.

In his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor of Delta State University, Abraka, Professor Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba, who was the Chief Host of the ceremony, warmly welcomed the distinguished guests and expressed appreciation to Professor (Chief) (Mrs) Beauty Alloh and the Faculty of Law.

He described the book presentation as a laudable initiative and a fitting recognition of Professor Alloh’s remarkable contributions to legal scholarship, academic development and the advancement of legal education.

He noted the importance of documenting and celebrating the achievements of distinguished academics, stressing that such recognition would not only honour the beneficiary but also inspire younger scholars and members of the university community to pursue excellence in their respective fields.

The Vice-Chancellor also commended the Faculty of Law and the editors for the intellectual effort invested in producing a publication that highlights Professor Alloh’s scholarly legacy while providing an opportunity for further reflection on the future of legal education in Nigeria.

He expressed confidence in the success of the ceremony and prayed for God’s guidance and blessings upon the proceedings, the celebrant, the editors, contributors and all those who contributed toward making the publication possible.

The Vice-Chancellor was represented at the event by Professor Edmund Atakpo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), DELSU, Abraka.

Also welcoming guests, the Provost of DELSU, Oleh Campus and host of the ceremony, Professor Augustine Atonuje, specially acknowledged the presence of the Chairman of the occasion, His Royal Majesty, Albert Akpomudje, SAN, FCIArb, Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Life Bencher and the Eyawvien-Alaka I, Ohworode of Olomu Kingdom, Delta State.

Atonuje described the occasion as significant, noting that it was organised in honour of one of the university’s own, Professor Beauty Alloh. He expressed the hope that the DELSU community would produce more books in recognition of her contributions in the future.

The Provost observed that the judiciary was among the institutions most misunderstood in Nigeria, describing the title of the book, Legal Scholarship in Nigeria: The Legacy of Prof. (Mrs) Beauty O. Alloh and the Future of Legal Education, as captivating.

The book was edited by Professor Andrew Ejovwo Abuza, Head of the Department of Jurisprudence and International Law, Faculty of Law, DELSU, Oleh Campus; Professor Kingsley Omote Mrabure of the Department of Public Law, Faculty of Law, DELSU, Oleh Campus; and Dr Gold Sunday Chukwuemeka, Head of the Department of History, Strategic and International Studies, Dennis Osadebey University, Asaba.

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Atonuje described the contributors as accomplished scholars and explained that the publication examined Professor Alloh’s contributions to legal scholarship and her impact on the academic landscape. He expressed confidence that the book would broaden the knowledge of participants and readers.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion formally welcomed participants but expressed disappointment over the late arrival of many attendees and the level of attendance at the ceremony, which was scheduled to commence at 10 a.m.

He emphasised that time was of the essence in the legal profession, recalling that he was among the first persons to arrive at the venue but was surprised to find only a handful of people in the hall. He said the hall ought to have been much fuller by the time he delivered his address.

The traditional ruler disclosed that he had known Professor Alloh for more than 30 years, initially as a primary school teacher, before she qualified as a legal practitioner and practised in Warri.

He traced her academic progression to obtaining a PhD in Law and eventually becoming a Professor of Law and Dean of the Faculty of Law, DELSU, Oleh Campus. He described her as a pleasant personality whose achievements and contributions should never be taken for granted.

The Ohworode of Olomu Kingdom stressed the importance of recognising excellence, describing the book presentation as a worthy initiative in honour of Professor Alloh. He expressed confidence in her continued success in the legal profession and wished the organisers a successful ceremony.

The Delta State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Ekemejor Ohwovoriole, SAN, who was the Chief Guest of Honour, also welcomed participants and commended the Faculty of Law for organising the ceremony in recognition of Professor Alloh’s contributions.

He was represented by Mrs Ahidemi Rita Ekpemina, Director of Civil Litigation, Delta State Ministry of Justice, Asaba.

The book was reviewed by Professor Pascal Oguno, MNI, of the Faculty of Law, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, Anambra State.

Oguno said the editors had made his task easier through the organisation and presentation of the publication, describing the book as a memorial of the principles Professor Alloh represents.

He commended Alloh for her impressive academic record, particularly her more than 120 peer-reviewed articles published in local and international law journals.

Describing her as a renowned legal scholar, Oguno recalled that the former Vice-Chancellor of DELSU, Professor Andy Ogochukwu Egwunyenga, had once described her as the academic machine of the Faculty of Law.

The reviewer noted that the contributions in the book covered several aspects of legal scholarship and the future of legal education in Nigeria.

The chapters examined included A Contemporary Legal Overview of Party Switching of Elected Legislators of the National and State Assemblies under the Nigerian Constitutional System, authored by Professor Abuza and two others; Artificial Intelligence in Legal Research and Academic Professional Development in Nigerian Higher Institutions: Emerging Trends, Opportunities and Challenges, authored by Dr Gold Sunday Chukwuemeka and another contributor; The Impact of Technology on Legal Education and Professional Development in Nigeria, written by Ogheneovo Omosefe Erhurhu; The Integration of International Law into Nigerian Legal Education, written by Edebharia Olayemi Ogholaja; and English Language and Legal Education in Nigeria, written by Chineye Betty Ajede.

Commenting on the first contribution, Oguno highlighted the authors’ recommendation that the provisions of sections 68(1)(g) and 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution, which require elected members of the National and State Assemblies to vacate their seats upon defecting from the political parties on whose platforms they were elected, should be expunged from the Constitution.

The provisions, however, recognise exceptions where the defection results from a division within the sponsoring party or a merger involving parties or factions by which the legislator was initially sponsored.

According to the authors, the provisions should be removed because they are discriminatory, particularly when compared with the position of elected governors, who do not automatically lose their offices upon changing political parties.

They also argued that the provisions infringe on the rights to freedom of thought and conscience, as well as freedom of association, guaranteed under sections 38 and 40 of the Constitution and recognised under international human rights law.

The authors further maintained that the provisions were inconsistent with practices in several established democracies, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia, where elected legislators can change political parties without automatically forfeiting their legislative seats.

Oguno, however, questioned the position taken by Abuza and his co-authors, particularly in view of the increasing rate of political defections among elected Nigerian legislators.

On the chapter examining artificial intelligence, Oguno acknowledged its usefulness but cautioned that its growing adoption could discourage students from visiting libraries and reading books.

Regarding the contribution on technology and legal education, the reviewer acknowledged the positive impact of technological developments on legal training and professional advancement.

He also supported the integration of international law into Nigerian legal education, explaining that its study would equip law students with knowledge of areas such as immigration law.

On the chapter addressing English language and legal education, Oguno stressed that proficiency in the English language remained an essential requirement for effective legal training.

In his concluding remarks, the reviewer called for an amendment of Nigerian laws to abolish the Nigerian Law School, Abuja, and provide for an additional year of training within the various faculties of law in Nigerian universities.

He argued that universities could incorporate and teach the courses currently offered at the Nigerian Law School, thereby eliminating the need to post law graduates to different campuses of the institution for another year of training.

A major highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the book by Chief (Dr) Ayo Asala, SAN, FCIArb.

Asala described the publication as rich and commended the editors, Professor Abuza and Professor Mrabure, whom he said he knew very well.

He also spoke warmly of Professor Alloh, describing her as a generous person who had made material contributions toward the burial of his late mother not too long ago.

He urged her to sustain her motherly role in the lives of Nigerians.

Asala, a former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Udu Branch, picked up ten copies of the book, which he launched with an undisclosed amount. He also encouraged other participants to support Professor Alloh by making contributions toward the launch.

The formal unveiling of the publication was subsequently performed by the Chairman of the occasion, with other dignitaries at the high table joining him.

Guests were thereafter invited to make their contributions toward the book launch.

Among those who supported the launch with various sums were the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba; Professor Augustine Atonuje, on behalf of the management of DELSU, Oleh Campus; Chief Fred Majemite; Chief (Mrs) Eboighe; the Delta State Attorney-General; Princess Doris Ejinyere; Professor Festus Emiri, SAN; Mrs Rita Ekpemina; Chief Bodjor Adelabu; Her Royal Highness Patience Ome Goodnews Agbi, Queen of Oyede Kingdom; Dr Mackson Oruma, Chairman of NBA, Ughelli Branch; Dr Jonathan Ekpenrusi, Acting Dean, Faculty of Law, Southern Delta University, Orerokpe Campus; Dr Kenneth Odhe; Justice Samuel Tonwe; Professor (Mrs) Ufuoma Awhefeada, Dean, Faculty of Law, Michael and Cecilia Ibru University, Agbarha-Otor; and His Royal Highness Oba Rufus Olarewanju, on behalf of Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers.

In his closing remarks, the Chairman of the occasion thanked the reviewer for his recommendations on advancing legal education in Nigeria.

He noted that several Nigerians had made similar suggestions in recent times, adding that the proposal had been well received and could be considered in the coming years, although not immediately.

Another major highlight was the performance by the DELSU Oleh Campus female choral group, which entertained guests with songs celebrating Professor Alloh and wishing her continued success in her future endeavours.

Speaking toward the end of the ceremony, Professor (Chief) (Mrs) Beauty Alloh expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor, the Provost of Oleh Campus, the Ohworode of Olomu Kingdom, her colleagues and other distinguished personalities for honouring her invitation.

She said she was encouraged by the kind words used by some of the dignitaries to describe her, adding that the honour bestowed on her through the book presentation belonged to the Faculty of Law and the entire university community.

She also thanked all the editors of the book and everyone who contributed toward making the publication and the ceremony a reality.

Professor Alloh particularly singled out one of the editors, Dr Gold Sunday Chukwuemeka, for profound commendation, describing him as the brain behind the book project who worked tirelessly to ensure that the book was produced and the event held.

She expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed in one way or another toward the success of the ceremony.

Professor Alloh, a well-respected Okakuro of Okpe Kingdom, was celebrated by colleagues, students and other members of the university community for her contributions to legal scholarship and legal education.

The ceremony attracted several prominent personalities from the judiciary, academia, traditional institutions, the legal profession, government and the media.

Among those present were His Royal Majesty Albert Akpomudje; Prof. Samuel Asagba represented by Professor Edmund Atakpo; Professor Augustine Atonuje; Her Royal Highness Patience Ome Goodnews Agbi, Queen of Oyede Kingdom; Mrs Rita Ekpemina; His Royal Highness Oba Rufus Olarewanju; Chief (Mrs) Eboighe; Chief (Dr) Ayo Asala, SAN; Professor Festus Emiri, SAN; Professor (Chief) (Mrs) Beauty Alloh; Professor Pascal Oguno; and Aeron Ologe, Esq.

Other dignitaries included Professor Andrew Ejovwo Abuza; Professor Kingsley Mrabure; Dr Gold Sunday Chukwuemeka; Professor Emmanuel Mitaire Tarurhor, Dean, Faculty of Management Sciences, DELSU, Abraka; Dr Philip Esavwede; Chief Kennedy Uwubiti; Chief Bodjor Adelabu; Dr Akpo Mudiaga-Odje; Honourable Justice Samuel Tonwe; Honourable Justice Enifoniye, Judge of the High Court of Justice, Oleh; Dr Jonathan Ekpenrusi; Dr Ejiro Kore-Okiti; Princess Doris Ejinyere; Mrs Martha Amaka-Obi; and Ms Christiana Okeke, who represented the Registrar of DELSU, Mrs Rufina Ufiofio.

Also in attendance were Dr Morrison Ossai; Miss Ovoke Igbigbi; Dr Garvm Oyibodoro; Dr Gaga Ekakitie; Jeslor Ndukwe, Esq.; Dr Mackson Oruma; Dr Brown Umukoro; Dr (Mrs) Oghenesome Eda; Dr Ogechi Ohwomeregua; Dr Taiga Ejomafuvwe; Dr Ugo Ehirim; Dr (Mrs) Johanna Chukwu; Mr Lucky Enanuga; Mrs Rosemary Ideho; and Dr (Mrs) Josephine Onowakpor, DELSU Librarian.

Academic and non-academic staff of DELSU, including Dr Daniel Akparobore and Dr Marcus Isebe, also attended the event.

Students of DELSU and other tertiary institutions, media practitioners, politicians, government officials, members of the Bench and Bar, community leaders and other invited guests from Delta State and beyond were also present to celebrate Professor Alloh’s contributions to legal scholarship and legal education.