Renowned International Legal Luminary Barr Onome Ewhrudjakpor Obuotor Honored in Final Farewell

By Raymond Enoch

Family, friends, colleagues and associates gathered on Friday, December 20th, 2024 to pay last Respects to international legal Luminary, Barr Onome Ewhrudjakpor Obuotor, born 28th January, 1965 and passed 25th November, 2024. He hails from Ugheli North Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria.

Until his death he was a Parliamentary Counsel in The Gambia, under the Nigeria -Gambia bilateral agreement. He served for 16 year until his demise. He mentored many legal Officers.

The High Commissioner of The Gambia to Nigeria, Amb Muhammadu Musa, pointed out that the demise of Barr Onome Obuotor had created a vacuum, that will be difficult to fill by both countries. Amb Musa stated this during the funeral service held in honour of Barr Onome Ewhrudjakpor Obuotor at the Diocese of Abuja (Anglican Communion) The Basilica of Grace, Gudu, Abuja.

Amb Musa declared that Barr Onome’ contributions impacted the legal systems of both nations and that he would be seriously missed alot. May your gentle soul Rest in Peace.

A service of Songs in honour of Barr Onome Ewhrudjakpor Obuotor held at the Diocese of Abuja(Anglican Communion) The Basilica of Grace, Gudu, Abuja, on Thursday, 19th December, 2024 at 5pm, conducted by The Most Reverend Henry C. Nsukaba, The Primate of All Nigeria and Bishop of Abuja.

While on Friday December 20th, 2024 at about 10am Barr Onome Ewhrudjakpor Obuotor was briefly laid in state at his family Home at Gwarimpa, Abuja, for last respects before proceeding to the funeral Service at the Diocese of Abuja (Anglican Communion) The Basilica of Grace, Gudu, Abuja with officiating Minister The Ven. Oluwaseun Owoeye, Vicar/Supervising Priest (officiated the funeral service). It followed with Interment at the Gudu Cemetery and A reception.

The Ven. Oluwaseun Owoeye, Vicar/Supervising Priest Anglican Communion, The Basilica of Grace, Gudu Abuja, described Barr Onome as a unique, outstanding family man who put his family first in all he did and a thorough career man who will be missed by his immediate family, colleagues and both nations. He declared “that Barr Onome ran a good race and finished strong, it’s left for us the living to emulate his life style, commitment to the things of God, Love for family, dedication to work and service to humanity”.

He served as a Principal Legal Officer with Nigeria’s Anti – Corruption Commission, he prosecuted corruption cases, contributed to international conventions, and participated in the drafting of protocols for the African Union and the United Nations.

Barr Obuotor, later served as Chief State Counsel in the Legal Drafting Department of Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Justice, shaping Laws passed by the National Assembly and drafting Statutory instruments.

Later, in 2008, Barr Obuotor, transitioned to international service under the Nigeria – Gambia Bilateral Agreement. As a Technical Assistant and later Parliamentary Counsel in The Gambia, he mentored legal Officers, drafted bills, and played a pivotal role in legislative processes. He worked there for 16 years until his demise.

Barr Onome was a phenomenal pillar of love and strength to his family. He was a devoted husband to Yetunde Obabunmi Obuotor and an excellent Father to his three children, Barrister Omonigho Obuotor, Dr Aghogho Obuotor and Ejiroghene Obuotor. His family was his pride and joy and he balanced his tasking career with unwavering love and support for them. He shared a deep bond with his siblings, who remember his kindness, wisdom, and unyielding dedication to family values. Serving as a role model showing compassion to all. His Service to humanity was second to none.

His demise has left a profound void, in the two nations, his family and colleagues, yet his legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the institutions he helped shape, and the family he cherished. Barr Onome’s journey remains a beacon of hope and an enduring source of inspiration to all who knew him, he is survived by wife, three children, several siblings, colleagues, Nigeria, The Gambia and many to mourn him.