Edo State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Esther Edigin and the state’s Solicitor – General, Oluwole Iyamu, among other members of the Edo State Judiciary on Thursday, paid last tributes to Dr. Irene Ododo Odaro, a former Edo Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, who passed away at the age of 70.
Edigin, while delivering her speech at the valedictory session held at the High Court of Justice in honour of late Odaro, described the late legal luminary as a quintessential legal icon.
She said: “Our departed colleague was an uncommon embodiment of a rich and symbolic intertwine of beauty, grace, glitz, glamor and erudition. She was indeed a paragon of beauty.”
Iyamu on his part, described the late Odaro as having a simple, amiable and unassuming personality, adding, “Despite her very formidable pedigree, she remained very humble.
“She was an elegant and quintessential state counsel who was very proud of her calling; she was very willing to uphold and defend justice. She could be very blunt, confident and was always willing to speak truth to power.”
The Solicitor General further noted: “Odaro was very motherly; she is always willing to offer counsel and guidance to the younger state counsels who worked under her supervision. She always had one advice or two to give.
“She was also very selfless; always willing to offer a helping hand to those in need. She was a beautiful soul, calm and peaceful; she would be sorely missed by all.”
“To her immediate and extended family, we appreciate and commend you for being part of her journey. I pray that God will comfort you all,” he prayed.
Meanwhile, the Chairman Nigeria Bar Association, (NBA), Benin branch, Mr Pius Oiwoh, said: “To the family that has lost a mother and leader, we extend our heartfelt condolences. We know you would have wished, hoped and even expected more time to spend in her motherly warmth and drink from the fountain of wisdom and knowledge, which your mother obviously had in abundance.
“We urge you to take solace in the fact that she lived a life of great impact and will be fondly remembered for this.”
