The Delta State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ekemejero Ohwovoriole (SAN), on Wednesday swore in Olorogun Victor Akpor Okumagba as the new National President of the Association of Justices of the Peace, Delta State chapter.
The event, held at Ishaka Hotel, Refinery Road, Effurun, drew an impressive gathering of government officials, legal practitioners, community leaders and peace advocates.
Represented by Mivwodere Okorefe Esq., a Principal State Counsel in the Ministry of Justice, the Attorney General extolled the Association as a vital partner in the justice system.
He reminded members of their statutory mandate, noting that they play a strategic role in maintaining public order, mediating disputes, authenticating documents and representing grassroots interests.
He emphasized the enhanced responsibilities of JPs under Section 73 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law, which requires their presence during the extraction of confessional statements to prevent torture and coercion.
He added that the Ministry of Justice will commence a comprehensive training programme for JPs in January 2026 to strengthen their capacity for this critical assignment.
Quoting scripture, the representative of the Attorney General told the gathering: “As a Justice of the Peace, I am a peacemaker; therefore, I am a child of God.”
He expressed confidence that the newly inaugurated president possesses the experience and vision needed to reposition the body.
In his inaugural address, Olorogun Victor Akpor Okumagba, the 4th National President of the Association, paid glowing tributes to the founding fathers, whom he described as “visionaries who dared to dream when uniting Justices of the Peace seemed ambitious.”
He also celebrated the sacrifices of the “Three and Seven Wise Men”—figures he said shaped the Association into a moral force within Delta State.
Okumagba said the Association has arrived at a critical turning point, citing growing community tensions and socio-economic pressures in the Niger Delta.
To restore vibrancy and effectiveness, he unveiled a 7-Pillar Reform Agenda built around institutional strengthening, capacity building, ethics reforms, digital transformation, peace initiatives, stakeholder partnerships and improved welfare for members.
He stressed that the roadmap complements Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda and pledged that his administration would fully support government peace-building efforts.
The outgoing president, Sir Chief Sam Odjoji (JP), in his valedictory remarks, thanked Governor Oborevwori, the Attorney General, Chief Judge Justice Theresa Diai, and the Governor’s Special Adviser on Peacebuilding, High Chief Edwin Uzor, for their support.
He listed key achievements of his tenure, including statewide peace jingles, interventions in the Okuama–Okoloba crisis, observance of the 2025 World Peace Day, visits to orphanages and the Association’s involvement in the annual legal year ceremony of the Ministry of Justice.
He maintained that the Association has earned public confidence by demonstrating practical commitment to peace efforts across communities.
Ambassador Dr. Toyin Agbolayah (JP), Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Development, represented by Hon. Comrade Francis Obule, lauded the Association for sustaining grassroots harmony and urged it to continue aligning its programmes with the developmental direction of the Oborevwori administration.
UN Peace Advocate, Prof. Gloria Adebiyi (OON), JP, also underscored the importance of peaceful coexistence, describing it as a foundation for social stability and growth.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of an Award of Honour to the Attorney General, Ekemejero Ohwovoriole (SAN), by Sir Odjoji, joined by the new president and other dignitaries.
The event featured goodwill messages from government officials, industry leaders and peace stakeholders, many of whom praised Olorogun Okumagba for his humility, competence and proven dedication to community harmony.
Chairman of the Organising Committee, Chief Uku David Amajatoja, said the emergence of Okumagba marks “a new era of vibrancy and purposeful leadership,” adding that he expects unprecedented growth under the new administration.
Other members of the newly inaugurated expanded executive council 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), among others.
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