Delta Attorney General Swears in Okumagba as New National President of the Association of Justices of the Peace ***** Okumagba Unveils 7-Pillars Reform Agenda

 

By Wilson Macaulay

WARRI 

In a colourful and well-attended ceremony at Ishaka Hotel, Refinery Road, Effurun, the Delta State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ekemejero Ohwovoriole SAN, on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, inaugurated Olorogun Victor Akpor Okumagba, JP., FNHR, AICMC, as the new President of the Delta State Association of Justices of the Peace.

The Attorney General, represented by Mivwodere  Okorefe Esq., Principal State Counsel, Ministry of Justice, described the Association as an indispensable partner in the administration of justice, stressing that “justice and peace are inseparable twins.” He reminded members of their statutory responsibilities—preserving peace, authenticating documents, mediating disputes, issuing processes, considering bail, and serving as community representatives.

He particularly emphasized the newly strengthened role of Justices of the Peace under Section 73 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law, which mandates their presence during the extraction of confessional statements to prevent torture or coercion. He announced that the Ministry of Justice will conduct a comprehensive training for all JPs in January 2026 to enhance their capacity for this sensitive assignment.

Drawing from scripture, he encouraged the JPs to embrace their calling as peacemakers, declaring, “As a Justice of the Peace, I am a peacemaker; therefore, I am a child of God.” He expressed confidence that Olorogun Okumagba possesses the leadership acumen to lift the Association to greater heights.

In his inaugural speech, Olorogun Victor Akpor Okumagba, the 4th National President of the Association of Justices of the Peace, spoke with deep emotion and historical appreciation, acknowledging the founding fathers whom he described as “visionaries who dared to dream when uniting Justices of the Peace seemed ambitious.”

He paid glowing tributes to the “Three and Seven Wise Men,” including Engr. A. S. Okoh, Sir Johnson Ikediashi, Amb. Prof. Gloria Adebiyi, High Chief G. O. T. Ogagarojor, U. Ukusarer, I. E. Iteke, Prince A. O. Igbinoba, Hon. Chief Uso Onianwa, Chief Miller Uloho, Chief Chris Uzor, Chief Sir J. O. Itiveh, and Mr. L. M. Edon—men and women whose sacrifices, he said, laid the foundation for an institution that has become a moral compass in Delta State.

Okumagba declared that the Association has reached a defining moment, stressing the need for renewal amid rising community tensions, youth restiveness, and socio-economic disparities in the Niger Delta.

He unveiled his 7-Pillars  Reform Agenda, which includes: Institutional Strengthening,  Capacity Building & Professional Development,Ethics & Integrity Reforms,  Digital Transformation, Community Peace Initiatives, Partnerships & Stakeholders Engagement,Welfare, Recognition & Empowerment of Members noting that these pillars align perfectly with Governor Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda.

Okumagba pledged that his administration will support Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda by using the instruments of his office to strengthen all peacebuilding efforts of Government, adding that he sees himself as a peace curator with constituted authority.

Earlier in his valedictory address, the outgoing President, Sir Chief Sam Odjoji  (JP), thanked Governor Oborevwori, the Attorney General, Ekemejero Ohwovoriole SAN, the Delta State Chief Judge, Justice Theresa Diai, and the Governor’s Special Adviser on Peacebuilding, High Chief Edwin Uzor, for their support during his tenure.

He highlighted achievements under his leadership, including the production and circulation of peace jingles across print and electronic media; mediation efforts during the Okuama–Okoloba conflict; marking the 2025 World Peace Day with statewide advocacy; visits to orphanages; and active participation in the annual opening of the legal year organized by the Delta State Ministry of Justice.

Sir Odjoji affirmed that the Association of Justices of the Peace has earned public trust through practical peace interventions.

Ambassador Dr. Toyin Agbolayah JP, Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Development, represented by Hon. Comrade Francis Obule, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Political Matters, praised the Association for sustaining peace across communities. He urged them to continue aligning with the present administration’s developmental thrust, noting that the MORE Agenda has brought unprecedented progress to the state.

Renowned UN Peace Advocate, Prof. Gloria Adebiyi OON, JP, Ph.D., who also spoke at the event, emphasized the critical role of peaceful coexistence for social stability and progress.

The  highlight of the event was the presentation of an Award of Honour to the Delta State Attorney General, Ekemejero Ohwovoriole SAN, by the outgoing president, Sir Odjoji, flanked by the new president, Olorogun Victor Akpor Okumagba, and other distinguished guests.

Worthy of note was the outpouring of goodwill messages from government representatives, captains of industry, and peace advocates, all attesting to the competence, mien, and positive disposition of Olorogun Victor Akpor Okumagba.

The Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Chief Uku David Amajatoja, told Vanguard  Newspaper  in summary that the emergence of Olorogun Victor Okumagba as National President of the Association of Justices of the Peace signifies “a new era of vibrancy and purposeful leadership.” He expressed optimism that the Association will witness accelerated and unprecedented growth under the new administration.

Some of the new exco members sworn in alongside Okumagba include Chief Festus Konyeme (1st Vice President), Comrade Smart Pupu (2nd Vice President), Chief Donatus Ozegbe (Secretary-General), Chief Israel Ogidigben ( PRO ) and Hon. Clement Oshue (Treasurer), along with several others who make up the newly inaugurated expanded executive council.