Obarisi Ovie Omo-Agege was born on 3 August 1963 in Orogun, a community in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria. He hails from the Orogun clan of the Urhobo ethnic group.
He attended St. George’s Grammar School, Obinomba, and went on to study Law at the University of Benin, where he earned his LL.B degree in 1985. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1986.
In pursuit of advanced legal knowledge, he obtained a Master of Laws (LL.M) degree from Tulane University Law School in New Orleans, United States, in 2002.
READ MORE: Ancient & Pre-Colonial Nigeria
Legal Training and Early Career
During his National Youth Service year, Omo-Agege served in the Directorate of Criminal Investigation and Intelligence in Kwara State.
He began his legal career with Pat Okupa & Co. in Lagos and later co-founded Agege & Co. in 1989. His drive for professional growth led him to the United States, where he joined Charles O. Agege’s law firm in Los Angeles as a foreign associate. There, he worked on litigation and legal advisory involving Nigerian laws.
He was admitted to the California State Bar in 1992 and also practised before the U.S. District Court (Central District of California). Upon returning to Nigeria in the 1990s, he founded Omo-Agege & Associates, which later merged into Agege & Esin in 1996.
Political Journey in Delta State
Omo-Agege entered active politics in the early 2000s. He first sought a seat in the House of Representatives under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2002 but was not elected. However, in 2003, Governor James Ibori appointed him Executive Assistant, recognising his skill and commitment to governance.
He was later appointed Commissioner for Special Duties between 2005 and 2007 and subsequently became Secretary to the Delta State Government in 2007. These roles allowed him to contribute to state development and gain valuable administrative experience.
The Senate Years
In 2015, Ovie Omo-Agege was elected Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District under the Labour Party. He later joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2017, where he continued to build political influence.
In 2019, he was re-elected under the APC and subsequently elected Deputy President of the 9th Nigerian Senate on 11 June 2019. He secured 68 votes against Ike Ekweremadu’s 37, making him the first senator from Delta State to hold this position.
Legislative Work and National Impact
As a lawmaker, Omo-Agege sponsored several notable bills aimed at improving governance and society.
Key Bills:
- The Sexual Harassment in Tertiary Educational Institutions (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Bill, which was passed in July 2020.
- The Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE) Establishment Bill, giving legal recognition to the specialised university.
- The amendment to Section 84 of the Electoral Act, restoring statutory delegates’ rights to vote in party conventions.
These legislative efforts strengthened his reputation as a senator focused on reforms and the protection of rights within Nigeria’s education and political systems.
Constituency Development
Omo-Agege’s tenure as senator brought visible development to Delta Central. His initiatives included road rehabilitation advocacy, especially the dualisation of the Sapele–Agbor–Ewu road corridor, which connected several communities and boosted economic activity.
He also championed community electrification projects, installation of solar street lights, and the renovation of schools. Through his constituency office, he supported youth empowerment, women’s training programmes, and the facilitation of agricultural and small-business grants.
Though many projects were executed through federal and state agencies, his influence in attracting attention to Delta Central remains widely acknowledged.
Controversies and Resilience
In April 2018, Omo-Agege was suspended from the Senate after expressing dissenting views on an electoral bill. During that period, a group of intruders seized the Senate Mace in an incident that brought national attention. He was accused of complicity, arrested, and later released.
A Federal High Court subsequently ruled his suspension unconstitutional, ordering his reinstatement. The outcome underscored his resilience and ability to navigate political storms without losing his standing.
National Honour and Recognition
In recognition of his contributions to governance, President Muhammadu Buhari conferred on him the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) in October 2022.
He also holds several traditional titles, including Obarisi of Ughelli, Obarisi of Orogun, and Uvo of Mosogar. These honours reflect both his cultural pride and his influence among his people.
EXPLORE: Nigerian Civil War
The 2023 Governorship Race
Omo-Agege contested the 2023 Delta State governorship election under the All Progressives Congress. His campaign focused on power supply, infrastructure, and educational improvements, with an emphasis on continuity and accountability.
Although he lost to Sheriff Oborevwori of the PDP, the election further established him as one of the most recognisable political figures in Delta State. The Supreme Court upheld the result in early 2024.
Personal Life
Omo-Agege is married to Rosemary Omo-Agege, and together they have five children. He is a practising Roman Catholic and remains active in community and family life.
Author’s Note
Ovie Omo-Agege’s journey from a courtroom in Lagos to the Senate chambers in Abuja tells the story of ambition, resilience, and leadership. His life reflects how education, perseverance, and strategic vision can elevate one from professional success to national service.
Though controversies have surrounded him, his achievements in law, governance, and legislative reform continue to shape his legacy as a key figure in Delta State and Nigerian politics.
References
Premium Times, “Profile: Omo-Agege, alleged mace snatcher who emerged Deputy Senate President,” 2019.
PLAC Legislative Tracker, “Bills Sponsored by Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege,” 2020.
Premium Times, “PDP’s Oborevwori Defeats Omo-Agege, Wins Delta Governorship Election,” 2023.
