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From Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan
The late renowned obstetrician and gynaecologist, Dr. Felix Amasihohu Ekhaguere, was laid to rest in Benin City, Edo State, on Thursday amid tributes from dignitaries, family members and associates who celebrated his life of service to humanity.
Dr Ekhaguere, who died on June 1, 2026, at the age of 84 after a brief illness, was honoured at a funeral mass held at the Holy Cross Cathedral, Mission Road, Benin City.
Delivering the homily, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Oviasogie described the deceased as a devout Roman Catholic who remained committed to the faith throughout his lifetime. He noted that Dr. Ekhaguere was baptised at the Holy Cross Cathedral, the same church where his funeral mass was conducted.
The cleric also recalled his contributions to the Catholic Church through the Knight of St. Mulumba (KSM), where he served as Grand Knight of the New Benin Subordinate Council and attained the Fourth Degree of the Order.
In a tribute, Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, described the late physician as a man who dedicated his life to the service of humanity through medicine.
According to the Vice President, although no words could adequately fill the vacuum created by the loss of a parent, he encouraged members of the Ekhaguere family to find comfort in the fact that their patriarch lived a life devoted to helping others.
“Through decades of service as an obstetrician and gynaecologist, Dr. Ekhaguere offered hope to families at moments of anxiety, brought joy through the safe arrival of new lives, and earned the gratitude of generations whose stories were forever changed by his care,” Shettima stated.
Also paying tribute was the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, who described the deceased as a distinguished physician, accomplished public servant and medical administrator whose contributions to society would remain enduring.
Oba Ladoja, who was related to the late doctor through marriage, said Dr. Ekhaguere had adopted him as a twin brother and deserved to be celebrated for a life well spent.
“We knew Dr. Ekhaguere as a distinguished physician and committed family man who balanced his supreme devotion and unwavering commitment to heal others with his family responsibilities,” the monarch said.
He added that the values and love demonstrated by the deceased were evident in the upbringing of his daughter-in-law, Adesuwa Ladoja, wife of his son, Muyiwa Adedamola Ladoja.
