Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has described the late Asagba of Asaba, Professor Chike Edozien as a great gift to Delta State, Nigeria, and the whole world.
Speaking at the ‘Songs and Tributes’ organized in honour of the late Asagba in Asaba on Thursday, Chief Obasanjo urged Nigerians to emulate the legacy he left behind.
“When you have a man like Asagba, who has lived the kind of life he lived, a man who has made contributions to his family, community, state, the country and beyond, we should extoll his virtues.
“During my interactions with him on several occasions, I have learnt that you can’t be tired or be bored of his company.
“For me, I have come here to show appreciation for his life and to thank the Edozien family for the gift to Nigeria and the world of Prof. Chike Edozie; it was a great gift you have given to Nigeria and the world.”
The state governor, Sheriff Oborevwori who was represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme also described the late monarch as a man who lived an exemplary life and a great achiever.
“Today, we thank God for the wonderful life that our Asagba, Asagba Professor Chike Edozien lived.
“Last year, we were at the Palace throwing banters, celebrating his 99th birthday anniversary and today, we are here celebrating his life and times to the glory of God.
“Asagba lived an exemplary life, he was a great achiever before he ascended the throne of his forefathers as the Asagba of Asaba, and as the Asagba, he recorded more successes in making Asaba more prosperous.
“As a government and as Deltans we will miss greatly the stabilizing role that he played as the King in charge of the host local government area to the Delta State Capital City, Asaba.
“We pray that his soul, through the mercy of God, rests in peace, Amen,” Oborevwori said.
He thanked former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the former Governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Ewetan Uduaghan and other dignitaries who made time to be present at the ceremony.
He said, “I am most grateful to the organisers of this Songs and Tributes and in particular, we appreciate greatly the personal presence of our father, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, for personally making sacrifices to be here today; and to our former Governor Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan and all the dignitaries who are gathered here, thank you for attending this event.”
In a citation of the Asagba presented by Louis Nwabuwane Olaniyi Edozien, on behalf of Mr Anthony Onuira Oladipo Edozien, said the late Obi Chike Edozien was recognized in his lifetime as an accomplished and internationally respected academia, scientist, and Nigeria’s fourth and oldest professor.
He added that the Asagba was a foremost traditional ruler who was honoured to have presided in the Traditional Rulers Council at federal and regional levels, as well as served the Asaba Kingdom for almost 34 years, saying he would be remembered as a man who combined deep intelligence and humour, tradition and modernity to lead the people and his family.
Former Governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, representative of the Olu of Warri, Chief Roland Oritsejafor, Chief Dr Jibunor, Delta State Head of Service, Mr Reginald Bayoko mni, and others were among the dignitaries present at the ceremony.
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