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From Joe Obukata Ogbodu, Warri
Vice President Kashim Shettima was among the dignitaries who arrived in Delta State on Saturday as billionaire business mogul and Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Tony Elumelu, laid the remains of his father-in-law, the late Sir Israel Chinwuba Ogbue, to rest in grand style.
The Vice President, who was received by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former governor Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, and Senator Ned Nwoko, later joined several dignitaries from all walks of life. The attendees included members of the National and State Assemblies, federal ministers, commissioners, captains of industry, and business and political associates who thronged Onicha Olona, in the Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, to pay their last respects to the patriarch of the Ogbue family.
Sir Ogbue, KSC, was born on 18 February 1927, and he passed away on his 99th birthday, 18 February 2026.
Elumelu, a prominent Nigerian economist, banker, and philanthropist, is the Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Transcorp, and United Bank for Africa (UBA). He is married to Dr Awele Elumelu, the daughter of the late Sir Ogbue.
The occasion attracted prominent personalities from across Delta State and beyond, including the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori; former governor Ifeanyi Okowa; and Senator Ned Nwoko, representing the Delta North Senatorial District. Also in attendance were members of the House of Representatives, notably Victor Nwokolo and Ngozi Okolie, as well as other political leaders and government officials.
The Deputy Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Arthur Akpowowo, led other assembly members to the occasion, including the House Majority Leader, Emeka Nwaobi; the APC State Chairman, Chief Solomon Arenyeka; and the Aniocha North LGA Chairman, Hon. Bazim Chinyere, among other top government functionaries.
In a goodwill message and tribute to the late Sir Ogbue, the Vice President conveyed the condolences of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the Ogbue family, as well as to the government and people of Delta State. Shettima described the late Ogbue as a man whose values remain evident in the lives of his children, particularly his first daughter, Dr Awele Elumelu, and her husband, Tony Elumelu, whom he described as accomplished Nigerians.
He urged the family to immortalise the deceased by upholding the virtues and principles that defined his long and impactful life.
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“On behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I extend our condolences and our respect to the family, the people of Onicha-Olona, and the government and people of Delta State. We honour the life he lived and the example he set,” Shettima said.
At the night of tribute funeral service held in honour of the late Pa Ogbue at St Peter’s Anglican Church, Onicha Olona, the family and associates described the life and times of the late patriarch as “one of service, integrity, and deep faith”. Political associates of the wider Elumelu family, including associates of the deceased, were also present to pay their last respects and deliver condolence messages. They described the late patriarch as “a bridge-builder” and a man whose life was dedicated to uplifting others, pledging to preserve his legacy for future generations.
In a tribute delivered on behalf of the family, Ebele Ogbue described their father as “a man who lived a fulfilled and impactful life, leaving behind a lasting legacy”. The family noted that the deceased was “known for his hard work, commitment to family, and dedication to education, values that have continued to guide the household”.
“The deceased Patriarch, despite his advanced age, his passing remained deeply felt by his children and loved ones. Our father lived a remarkable and accomplished life. He left footprints in the sands of time and impacted his community and Nigeria at large. No matter how old one’s father is, his absence is always felt,” he stated.
The family, however, expressed confidence that the late Sir Ogbue had gone to rest in a better place, pledging to uphold his values. They highlighted Pa Ogbue’s strong moral principles, describing him as a man of integrity, discipline, and unwavering faith in God.
Olisaemeka Ogbue read from the book of Revelation 7, reflecting on the themes of eternal rest and salvation. Speaking at the event, the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Asaba, the Rt. Revd. Kingsley Obuh, who officiated and led prayers at the service, described the late Ogbue as “a devoted servant of God and a committed member of the Anglican Church”.
“His role as a Knight of the Church and his contributions to both religious and community development have remained indelible,” the Bishop stated. He added, “We give thanks to God for a life well spent. He served God, the church, and humanity with his resources and strength. Living to such an age is itself a testimony of God’s grace,” the Bishop maintained.
The Bishop urged the congregation to “reflect on the virtues of the deceased and live lives marked by service, humility, and faith”, stressing that “true legacy lies in a positive impact on others”.
In a separate interview, Dr Awele and Tony Elumelu, as well as other children, described the late Pa Ogbue as a pillar of strength and a remarkable figure whose influence extended beyond the family to the corporate world and society at large.
