Tribute to Late Honourable Justice Franklin P. Ohwo
The Chief Judge of Delta State, Honourable Justice Marshal Umukoro, pays tribute to late Honourable Justice Franklin P. Ohwo, who joined the Saints Triumphant on September 29, 2017. Late Justice Ohwo, as seen from the testimonials that Justice Umukoro inc
“AS A SERVING MAGISTRATE, HON. JUSTICE J.A. OMOLUABI HAD THIS TO WRITE ON LATE OHWO J ON 5TH MARCH 1991: “MR. F.O. OHWO CONTINUES TO SHOW PROMISE OF INDUSTRY, DILIGENCE AND HONESTY”“
Early Days
F.P. Ohwo J, was born on November 22nd, 1958 in Ashaka in Aboh Division of Delta Province, defunct Western Region now Ndokwa East Local Government Area of Delta State, into the family of Chief Gabriel Ohwo and Christiana Ohwo of Orogun Clan in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State. He was the second of five children.
He attended Government Primary School, G.R.A Warri now Nana Primary School, Warri from 1966-1972.
He then proceeded to the Government College, Ughelli 1972-1976 for his Secondary Education.
He attended Federal Government College, Kaduna for the Higher School Certificate from 1976-1978.
In Kaduna, smartly dressed Soldiers were all over the place. The young Franklin desired to join the Army, but his father convinced him to go abroad for his University education.
In 1979, attended University of London, United Kingdom, and by 1983, he was found worthy in learning and character and awarded the Bachelor of Law (LL.B). He returned to Nigeria and attended the Nigerian Law School, Victoria Island, Lagos. He was Called to the Bar in 1984.
Career
In obedience to the law, he was mobilised for the National Youth Service Corp and served in Ogun State Ministry of Justice in 1984/1985. The law firm of G.C. Akoro & Co. engaged him as a Junior. It was in this same law firm, that I undertook my Law School Chamber Attachment in 1981.
The young Franklin started his enviable career on the Bench in April, 1987 as a Magistrate. He served in Afuze, Sabon-gida-ora, Ughelli, Patani, Warri and Ekpan. It was while he was at Ekpan in 1997, that he was spotted by A.P.A. Ogefere, the then Attorney- General and Commissioner for Justice, who spirited him to serve as the Director of Public Prosecutions in the State. His performance in that office, contributed to a large extent to the successes that I recorded as the Chairman of the Firearms and Armed Robbery Tribunal, Asaba between 1997 and 1998, until his elevation to the High Court Bench in 1998.
Testimonials
As a serving Magistrate, Hon. Justice J.A. Omoluabi had this to write on late Ohwo J on 5th March 1991:
“Mr. F.O. Ohwo continues to show promise of industry, diligence and honesty”.
On February 20th, 1992, Hon. Justice James Mbadike Obi in his own testimony wrote: "Appears sound and knowledgeable with his law. Has shown probity and integrity and is continuously dedicated to his judicial duties."
On April 21st, 1993, Hon. Justice Franklyn Nwulu stated in his own words: "The subject is a brilliant young man who has a reputation for incorruptibility".
Late Hon. Justice E. - Akpomudjere on 9th June 1994 had this to say:
"This is a well behaved and intelligent officer. He is quite meticulous in dealing with matters before him, and can be trusted to handle any matter not minding the magnitude."
Late Hon. Justice Omo-Agege on February 20th, 1995 wrote: "Hardworking, dedicated and honest judicial officer deserving of promotion."
Very early in his career, late Hon. Justice J.A.P Oki, OON on March 12th, 1990 had this to write on F.O. Ohwo thus:
"Mr. Ohwo is a calm and diligent young officer with great promise".
St. Paul the great writer in the Bible, would say that wisdom is the principal thing and it is profitable.
Appreciation
On this occasion, may I publicly appreciate His Excellency the Governor of Delta State, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa for standing with the judiciary in our moment of grief. When we lost Chief Magistrate Okpodu, the Government picked up his medical bills and burial expenses. Upon the demise of Hon. Justice A.P.E. Awala JCA (rtd), His Excellency extended his helping hand to the Judiciary and the family. Recently, when Hon. Justice F. A. Nwulu passed on, the Government also came to assist us. On behalf of my humble self and the entire Delta State Judiciary, I pray God to strengthen His Excellency in mind and body as he pilots the affairs of the State. We are grateful.
May I also salute the heroic assistance rendered by the NBA Warri Branch on the day Hon. Justice F. 0. Ohwo died. It was not a surprise to me. Warri NBA is known for such worthy exploits. God bless you all.
Furthermore, I thank my brother Judges for their roles on the 29th September, 2017 up to 3rd October, 2017. However, I must single out Hon. Justice Ogisi for her motherly assistance and care for late Hon. Justice F.O. Ohwo's youngest child - Frances. For Hon. Justice M. N. Obi, your selfless consultation and meetings with Hon. Justice F.O. Ohwo's family has been so refreshing.
Finally, I shall end this tribute with the poetic rendition by Onajite E. Ohwarhua a member of the Novem- ber 2007 Law School Set. My 1st son belonged to that class. He anguished:
"Hon. Justice F. O. Ohwo was justice personified, possessed with a mind so dignified, Only to the law he does kowtow. Justice F.O. Ohwo could be angry with one, Yet much more loved by all, both the victor and the victim of his judicial paradign, frail in stature and frame. Full of passion and grace, combined with aura and judicial charisma. A good judge, the lay man would say. An honest judge, the litigant would say. An incorruptible judge the poor Would say. An upright Judge Lawyers would say. All his orders may not be right. But the blind would see justice. The deaf, could hear justice Cos when Ohwo presided, they felt right. May the just, fair, upright, honest and virtuous Soul of Hon. Justice F. O. Ohwo rest in peace. Amen.