By Abiola Olawale
The immediate past Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has eulogised former President of the Nigerian Bar Assembly (NBA), High Chief Thomas J. Onomigbo-Okpoko (SAN), as he celebrates his 92nd birthday on Friday, October 25, 2024.
Omo-Agege, the Delta state 2023 governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in birthday a message signed by his media adviser, Sunny Areh described Onomigbo-Okpoko as a distinguished legal icon who has made indelible contributions to the legal profession, leadership and community development.
The former lawmaker said the lifestyle of Onomigbo-Okpoko, the revered High Chief of Okpe Kingdom, has been an inspiration to many.
The statement reads in part: “High Chief T. J. Onomigbo-Okpoko epitomises the noble attributes of leadership – integrity, honesty, diligence, fairness and pursuit of justice. As our father, I am inspired by his professionalism and love for his people. High Chief is a revered father in Urhoboland and Okpe Kingdom where he has led the path to upholding the culture and norms of the people.
“We are immensely proud of him as our leader and father. I congratulate him on his birthday anniversary and pray the Most High High God continues to bless him with excellent health.”
The New Diplomat reports that Onomigbo-Okpoko was elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 1987 and was made a Life Bencher in 2000.
He is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators Nigeria and a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators UK. He is a foremost lawyer representing international and indigenous companies in various matters including oil and gas, environmental matters, tax claims, communities and land matters, contractual relationship matters and litigation in various courts.
He has also represented a lot of blue chip companies in major proceedings before the Senate and the Federal House of Representatives. He has extensive contact and network in major policy formulating agencies of the Federal Government and many State Governments.
