By Prof Amos Agbe Utuama
On the passage of chief (Mrs.) Paulina Odje, I feel compelled to pay my last respect to her by way of this tribute.
She was simply a caring mother to all including my humble self. Together with her husband, the legendary Dr. Mudiaga Odje SAN, she adopted me a member of the family. Like any girl of her age, she was married to Dr. Mudiaga Odje SAN, in 1955, with Chief Ukueku of Blessed memory as the best man. She later proceeded to the U.K to join her husband who was then studying law. While attending to the needs of her husband she also undertook a course of study in Hair stylist and fashion Design.
The marriage was blessed and produced six (6) issue of their body, together with another male who was her stepson. She dutifully and lovingly brought up these seven (7) sons, whom Dr. Mudiaga Odje SAN proudly referred to as his seven estates, in contradistinction to those who have physical buildings as estates. She was very supportive of her family and indeed the rallying point of the family and among the children. She commanded respect of all she came in contact with. Thus, she was conferred with chieftaincy titles, to wit: the Okakuro of Okpe and Olorogun of Evwreni.
Dr. Mudiaga Odje SAN and Mrs. Paulina Odje were an exemplary and admirable couple. Their grace as a couple was commanding. Apart from the sheer industry of legendary Dr. Mudiaga Odje SAN as a legal practitioner, the support of Mama Paulina Mudiaga Odje was unparalleled and rightly proved the theses: Behind every great man, there is a great woman’.
She would make sure papa’s food is ready and served as and when due. There was hardly a time papa had to wait for his food to be served. She was very conscious of when her husband would eat and make sure the food was ready. Anytime I was around, I had the privilege of eating with papa. She was a great cook, neat and highly organized woman. The house was always clean and in ornamented order. In between her house chores, she found time in knitting sweaters, sowing female blouses and making coral beads. She had no time for gossips.
In 1999 when I was Attorney General of Delta State and needed Akpo as my special assistant, Papa was reluctant to release him until mama graciously intervened. That showed the respect and love she had for me. Akpo of course, was very useful as my special assistant.
The marriage of Dr. Mudiaga Odje San and Mrs. Paulina odje is a perfect example of marriage made in heaven she played her part as a wife, mother and devout Catholic. Despite the fact that Dr. Mudiage Odje SAN was a devout Anglican, Mama never abdicated her catholic faith. The fact that the marriage was a mixed marriage from the Christian point of view, it never created tension between them. The love between them was palpable. No wonder they won the Delta State Couple of the Year in 1997, during the military administration of John Dungs.
She has played her part, lovingly and courageously and like any human life, she was recalled by God. Knowing her as I think I did, she had answered the call of God courageously because she was always prepared for and never afraid of death.
I pray for her happy repose for her soul and the fortitude for the children and grandchildren to bear the loss, while sustaining her legacy of dignity of peaceful family life and care.
Prof Amos Agbe Utuama, LL.M, Ph.D, SAN MCIArb (U.K) FNIAL.
Obituary Announcement:
Dates have been fixed for the funeral ceremonies of Chief (Mrs.) Paulina Odje as follows;
Thursday, 11th February, 2021, Service of Songs will hold at Sacred Heart Cathedral Catholic Church, Warri/Sapele Road,Warri, Delta State. Time: 4 pm Prompt.
On Friday, 12th February, 2021, Requiem Mass and Interment will take place at St Paul’s Catholic Church, Evwreni, Ughelli North Local Govenment Area, Delta State. Time: 10 am Prompt.