The remains of late Pa George Sunday Ogomegbunem Odum have been laid to rest in his hometown, Onicha-Ugbo in Aniocha North Local Government Area, Delta State.
Late Pa Ogomegbunem Odum, father of Sir Andrew Osemedua Odum, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), was interred in his country home on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, after a Requiem Mass held at All Saints Catholic Church, Onicha-Ugbo, officiated by the Bishop of Issele-Uku Catholic Diocese, Bishop Dr. Michael Odogwu Elue, alongside several other Catholic priests.
The funeral mass was attended by prominent dignitaries, including the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, immediate past Governor of the State, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, and his wife, Dame Edith Okowa, several Justices and Judges of the federal and state courts, the President of the Customary Court of Appeal and the Chief Judge of the State, Hon. Justice Theresa Diai.
Other notable attendees included the immediate Past Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, Member Representing Ika Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Nwokolo, members of the State House of Assembly, members of the State Executive Council, and the Executive Chairman of Aniocha North Local Government, Hon. Emmanuel Bazim Chinye.
In his homily, Bishop Michael Odogwu Elue eulogized the late Pa George Sunday Ogomegbunem Odum, describing him as a great man who invested in the lives of his children. He spoke on the importance of good parental care and guidance, emphasizing the need for parents to impart good morals and values to their children.
Bishop Elue maintained that it is incumbent upon parents to uplift their children through good training that leads to success in life, noting that the sustainable success of children brings joy, pride, and fulfillment to parents. The renowned Catholic Bishop appreciated the children of Pa George Sunday Ogomegbunem Odum for honoring and uplifting their parents, family, and name.
He prayed that the soul of late Pa George Sunday Ogomegbunem Odum and the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, may rest in peace, and encouraged the children to be consoled by the endearing legacy and sweet memories of their beloved father.
In a heartfelt tribute, Andrew Osemedua Odum, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, paid homage to his late father, Pa George Sunday Ogomegbunem Odum, describing him as a virtuous man who embodied the principles of gravity, generosity of soul, sincerity, earnestness, and kindness.
According to Andrew, his father was a scion of the great Odum, a warrior who protected the part of Onicha-ugbo called Aniakwu from powerful invaders from Ika. He noted that his father’s forebear relocated to Aniakwu and successfully carried out his assignment, earning the title of Odum Eze-Aniakwu, literally, the king of Aniaku.
Andrew described his father as a hard worker who accepted his humble beginnings and undertook his work with diligence and earnestness. He said his father was a humble and respectful man who greeted everyone first, earning him the affectionate salutation name, “Daluunu”.
According to the Senior Advocate of Nigeria, late Pa Odum was also known for his generosity and kind heartedness, often inviting everyone within sight to join him in his meals, teaching his children that generosity and kindness make meals sufficient for everyone. He was sincere, hated lies, and urged his children to value truth above all else.
Andrew noted that his father was time-conscious, loved everyone genuinely, and was caring and sympathetic. Above all, he said his father loved God and surrendered everything to Him, giving God credit for everything.
He prayed for his father’s type of humility and nature, promising to keep his legacy flying by the grace of God.
In his message, Governor Oborevwori, who was represented at the funeral ceremony by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in the State, Ekemejero Ohwovoriole, SAN, described Pa Odum as a remarkable individual who lived an amazing and inspirational life. He noted that Pa Odum’s exit at the age of 99 is a testament to God’s goodness and blessings on him and his family.
The Governor also described Pa Odum as a unique individual with grit, grind, and unblemished devotion to his faith and family, qualities that set him apart from his peers. He urges Andrew Osemedua Odum, SAN and his family to imbibe Pa Odum’s virtues of industry, courage, can-do-spirit, and tenacity of purpose, and pass them on to future generations as the best tribute to his memory.
Governor Oborevwori prayed that the Almighty God grants Pa Odum’s soul eternal repose, and consoles the Odum family on their loss.
Also In his message, Senator Okowa described Pa Odum’s passing as the close of an era, but also an opportunity to celebrate a long and fulfilled life marked by dignity, wisdom, and devotion to God and humanity. He noted that Pa Odum’s attainment of 99 years is a clear attestation of God’s faithfulness and a reflection of the enduring legacy of integrity and honour he leaves behind.
On behalf of himself and his family, Senator Okowa extended heartfelt condolences to Andrew Osemedua Odum, SAN and his family, praying that the Lord comforts them, grants Pa Odum’s soul eternal rest, and gives them the strength to carry forward his cherished legacy.
Justice Theresa Diai, Chief Judge of Delta State in her message noted that while Pa Odum’s departure is a great loss, his legacy lives on through his children, including Andrew Osemedua Odum, SAN whose distinguished career and stature she noted are a clear proof to the patriarch’s influence. She urged the Odum family to uphold Pa Odum’s legacies and cherish the memories he left behind, praying that the Almighty God grants them the fortitude to bear the loss of their beloved father.
In his own message, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu described Pa Odum as a true patriarch and a shining example of virtue and integrity, and a Man that lived a remarkable life of commitment to his faith, family, and community.
Elumelu noted that Pa Odum’s legacy will continue to inspire generations to come, and his memory will remain a blessing to all who knew him. He extended his heartfelt condolences to Andrew Osemedua Odum, SAN and his family, praying that the good Lord grants them the fortitude to bear his demise, even as he prayed that Pa Odum’s soul and the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God, rest in eternal peace.
The Executive Chairman of Aniocha North Local Government Hon. Emmanuel Chinye in his message described Pa Odum as a great man of exemplary character who lived a life of humility, service, faithfulness, love, and truthfulness, and whose legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
On behalf of the Government and People of Aniocha North Local Government, Chinye extended heartfelt sympathies to Andrew Osemedua Odum, SAN and his family, praying that the Lord God Almighty grants Pa Odum’s soul eternal rest and comforts the family during this difficult time.
Tributes were also received from across Bench and the Bar in Nigeria.
The combined Choir of the Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku was at hand to render sacred and liturgical music, in accordance with Catholic tradition, throughout the Requiem Mass, providing a fitting and reverent atmosphere for the celebration of the Eucharist and prayers for the deceased.
Guests were later treated to an amazing and rousing reception where sumptuous food and choice drinks were served.
