The Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori and former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Thursday, paid glowing tributes to the late Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Chike Edozien.
Oborevwori, represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, FCA, and Obasanjo were among dignitaries who attended an event tagged Songs and Tributes organized in honour of the late Asagba at Asaba.
The governor at the event, described the deceased 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 stabilising roles 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, rest 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 make out 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.”
Chief Obasanjo at the occasion, described Asagba as a great gift to Delta State, Nigeria, and the whole world.
He urged Nigerians to emulate the legacy left behind by the Asagba.
“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 extolled 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 world of Prof. Chike Edozie; it was a great gift you have given to Nigeria and the world.”
Chief Chimamanda Ngozi in her tribute said Asagba was a great man who became great by what he did while on earth.
He did a great service to not only in Asaba but in Nigeria.
She said he was a man of integrity, a heroe who had been lost to the world.
In a citation of Asagba, presented by Louis Nwabuwane Olaniyi Edozien, on behalf of Mr Anthony Onuira Oladipo Edozien, said Asagba was recognized in his life time as an accomplished and internationally respected academia, scientist, and Nigeria fourth and oldest professor.
He added that 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 Ewetan Uduaghan, representative of the Olu of Warri, Chief Roland Oritsejafor, Chief Dr Jebunor, Delta State Head of Service, Mr Reginald Bayoko mni, and others were among dignitaries present at the ceremony.
