Barrister Hon. Paschal Ikpemoghena Ugbome, aka Ominimini (center) with other inductees.

By Ed Malik, A | November 30, 2022
ed@ddnewsonline.com

Legal resource and leading political light in Edo State, Barrister Hon. Paschal Ikpemoghena Ugbome was on Tuesday in Abuja, inducted into the Panel of Neutrals (Judges) for Online Dispute Resolution (ODR).

The induction ceremony under the aegis of the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators (ICMC), is a culmination of Barrister Ugbome’s deep-rooted commitment to legal adjudication in all matters of communication and interpersonal relationship, without leaving bitterness or petty sentiments among opposing sides, no matter the degree of sentiments.

Barr. Ugbome, who is fondly called “Ominimini” by his admirers is the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Senate, Edo North Senatorial District and has been well received by the people, noting that he will be a good and quality representative at the Upper legislative chamber in the next election.

Ominimini is a highly numerate and strong analytical mind with considerable experience that covers the whole gamut of political enterprise and legal profession.

He was born at Fugar in Etsako Central Local Government Area on April 18th 1965 to Late Jacob Ugbome and his dear Wife Martha who both hail from Ekperi.

Ominimini is an easy-going fellow with friendship and acquaintances that cut across the whole comity of human relationship because he espouses a rare political philosophy which is geared towards the attainment of the greatest good and happiness for Humanity.

His academic journey saw initial primary school days spread from his home town Ekperi to Jattu-Uzairue, then on to Auchi and finally, Benin City, due principally to work nature of his father who was a foremost educationist and well sought-after teacher in the old Mid-western State.

After his primary school days, he proceeded to Otaru Grammar School now Our Lady of Fatima College, Auchi, for his secondary school education.

At the end of his secondary school, education, he gained admission into the prestigious University of Benin and graduated in 1987 with Bachelor in Law and later attended the Nigeria Law School. He was called to the Bar in 1988.

Barr. Ugbome who also holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from University of Benin, is presently concluding another Master’s Program, in Law at Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State.

He is an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK) and a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators. He is also a member of the International Bar Association and until recently the Chairman of the Benin Branch of the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators (ICMC).

Ugbome is the current Worldwide President of Our Lady of Fatima Old Boys Association (OLOFOBA).

Though, he has been consistent in his legal practice since 1988, he was able to tap his versatile nature by veering into the political terrain between 1986 and 2007, where he played an active role in shaping the political direction of Edo State as the democratic scenario offered.

He was first elected into the Edo State House of Assembly in 1987 on the Platform of UNCP but was not inaugurated as the death of the then Military Head of State, General Sani Abacha truncated that dispensation of our burgeoning democracy.

He was thereafter, elected a second time into the Edo State House of Assembly in 1988 under the platform of the PDP as a foundation member and was sworn in 1989. He became the Chief Whip of the House of Assembly and a major voice on the floor of the House, especially on issues that had to do with good governance, well-being of Edo People and general best practices.

Some of the topical Bills that he sponsored during his stint at the State Assembly are; the Bill for the Prohibition of Inhuman Practices against Women and a Bill for the Establishment of the Edo State House of Assembly Service Commission.

Due to his administrative dexterity, he was appointed interim administrator of Etsako Central Local Government in 2003. Later, in 2004, he contested and was overwhelmingly elected the Executive Chairman of Etsako Central Local Government.
Under his administration, the local government enjoyed development as he improved the premium of delivery democratic dividends to the people, by building on the pioneering successes of his predecessors. Amongst those landmark accomplishments are the establishment of the Etsako Central Mass Transit Company and the establishment of the Skills Acquisition Centre in Fugar together with Cassava Mills in Fugar and Ekperi.

Being a politician with a long-range vision, he also conceived and commenced the construction of the Fugar Township stadium. Under his pragmatic leadership, he ensured that over 200 qualified workers were employed as full-time members of Staff of the Council, including many others who were engaged as casuals.

His unassuming disposition did not affect his manner of interaction with his staff. As Chairman of Council, he ran an open-door policy and made himself accessible to all who needed to interface with him, as time permitted, no matter the status of the person. This appears to be his political style and it has endeared him to all who have had the privilege of his friendship or acquaintance.

Between 2013 and 2015 he was Appointed and served as a Member of the Governing Council of NECO (National Examination Council of Nigeria).

He is presently a ranking member of The Panel of Neutrals of The Edo State Multi-Door Court House and also a member of the ICMC ODR Panel of Neutrals. He has presided in several mediations on matters that have to do with community disputes, matrimonial disputes, corporate business matters, labour-related matters and land cum boundary disputes, etc.

In his burgeoning days as a young lawyer, he made his mark and contextual legal skills at the Law Firms of General IBM Haruna and Co., and later at Abalu, Bobga and Co., before he established his own practice, Paschal Ugbome and Co. He is presently in active legal practice resource consulting and general business.

As Worldwide President of OLOFOBA, he has elevated the profile of the association and brought it into international limelight. Together with an energetic executive, he has increased membership and opened more branches. Owing to his long-established goodwill across divides, he has been able to secure the cooperation of old boys and corporations, to initiate several developmental projects and infrastructural linkages in Our Lady of Fatimah College, Auchi, of which some have been completed and others still under construction but nearing completion.

Hon. Paschal Ugbome is married with three Children and a Grand Daughter. He is a jolly good fellow who takes Faith seriously and has continued to channel his resources to philanthropic activities that makes life a little easy for the less privileged, albeit, unobtrusively.

Ominimini whose hobbies include reading, travelling and sport exercises, has again offered to serve his people as the Senatorial candidate for Edo North in the 2023 election.