From Paul Osuyi, Asaba
Eulogies and condolence messages have trailed the demise of Obi Joseph Edozien, Asagba of Asaba, and Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, former chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) both in Delta State.
The Asagba, 99, and Ojougboh, 64, transited on Wednesday in Asaba and Abuja, respectively.
Reacting to the demise of the foremost traditional ruler and renowned Professor of Medicine, President Bola Tinubu, in a statement by his media aide, Ajuri Ngelale, condoled with the family, Delta State Traditional Rulers’ Council, the government and the people of the state on the painful loss.
Tinubu celebrated the life of the late traditional ruler and eminent professor of medicine, acknowledging his advocacy for peaceful co-existence among Nigerians, and role in forging partnerships across divides.
“His Majesty lived a full life defined by the loftiest ideals of peace, unity, patriotism, honesty, and dignity. This is a sad loss, coming at a time when Nigeria needs more peace- and bridge-builders.”
Tinubu prayed for the peaceful repose of the beloved departed, and urged the royal family and all those who mourn this loss to take solace in the legacies of His Royal Majesty.
Former governor of Abia State and Chairman, Senate Committee on Privatisation, Orji Uzor Kalu, acknowledged the exemplary leadership qualities of the late monarch, and called on leaders to emulate his selfless attributes.
He emphasised that the late paramount ruler would be remembered for his wise and unbiased counsel on national issues, adding that the late Asagba left behind, a worthy legacy.
In a condolence message, Kalu stressed that the late monarch lived a fulfilled life, dedicated to the service of humanity.
“The demise of Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Joseph Edozien, is a huge loss to the nation.
“The late monarch contributed to nation building through various platforms.
“He was an accomplished Nigerian, who attained giant heights in all endeavours.
“His reign brought unprecedented development to Asaba and Delta State in general.
“The late traditional ruler will forever be remembered for his good deeds.”
Kalu prayed for the repose of the soul of the late Asagba.
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has described the sudden death of a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Executive Director of Projects in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Cairo Ojougboh, as shocking and a huge loss to the people of the Niger Delta region, and the entire country.
He said: “The late Ojougboh as a member of the House of Representatives, contributed in no small way, his quota, to the development of his people as their representative from 2003-2007. He was the true voice of the people of Agbor, who ensured that his people were seen and heard in the national scheme of things.”
Akpabio recalled the contributions of the Agbor-born politician to the development of the Niger Delta region, when he occupied the office of the Executive Director, Projects, in the NDDC, while he superintended over the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.
According to Akpabio, “On behalf of my family, the people of Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial and the Senate, I commiserate with the Ojougboh family of Agbor, the government and people of Delta State, on this painful demise of a notable and committed son of Agbor. I pray to God to grant his wife, children, and those he left behind, the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss.”
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, commiserated with Dr. Ojougboh’s family, the people of Ika nation, Agbor kingdom, and the APC family over the demise of the renowned politician.
He noted that Ojougboh was a grassroots politician and administrator, who excelled in the various capacities he served.
According to the governor, the deceased was a thoroughbred politician, whose love for his people led him to contest, and win election to represent them in the Federal House of Representatives.
The former chieftain of the APC in Delta State, reportedly died during the tension-soaked semi final match between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Bafana Bafana of South Africa at the ongoing African Cup of Nations in far away Ivory Coast.
The Akinuwa of Agbor kingdom, who represented Ika Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and later served as National Vice Chairman South-South of the party, before joining the APC, where he served as Executive Director, Projects, at the NDDC, reportedly slumped during the penalty shootout, and was rushed to the hospital, where he died.