National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Chuks Peter, DELTA
President Bola Tinubu has paid tribute to the late Asagba of Asaba, HRM Professor Joseph Chike Edozien, describing him as a man of great significance and one of Nigeria’s foremost traditional rulers.
This tribute, titled “Exit of a Man of Significance,” was delivered at the memorial mass held in Asaba, the Delta State capital, in honour of the 13th Asagba of Asaba.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, President Tinubu acknowledged Nigeria’s loss of a remarkable traditional ruler and elder statesman.
He praised the late Asagba for his dedicated service to the Asaba kingdom and his distinguished career in medicine.
“The late Asagba was an accomplished traditional ruler and elder statesman who served the Asaba kingdom with great purpose and distinguished himself in the field of medicine.
As an academic icon, he was Nigeria’s oldest professor of medicine and the first indigenous Dean of Medicine at the University of Ibadan,” Tinubu stated.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, while condoling with the people of Asaba, urged them to emulate the legacies of the late centenarian monarch, whom he described as a man of peace and an erudite medical scholar.
“On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I once again condole the family of the Asagba of Asaba, the Asagba in Council, and the people of Asaba on the demise of our highly respected monarch and father.
The late Asagba was a peaceful man who led the people with love and brought peace to the kingdom. Our respected monarch did very well in his 34-year reign, and I encourage all of us to embrace the legacies of love, sacrifice, service, and tolerance which the late Asagba of Asaba epitomised.
May God grant his soul eternal rest,” said Oborevwori.
The Catholic Bishop of Issele-Uku Diocese, Most Reverend Michael Elue, described the death of a believer as a transition to eternal life, reminding Christians to live holy lives to be prepared for death.
He noted that the 100 years of the Asagba of Asaba, Obi Professor Chike Edozien, were purposeful and impactful.
“The best way to immortalize oneself on earth is through selfless contributions to the lives of people, just as the late monarch did,” he added.
The memorial mass was attended by numerous dignitaries, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, Delta State Deputy Governor Sir Monday Onyeme, former Governors Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and Chief James Ibori, former Deputy Governor Chief Benjamin Elue, Senator Ned Nwoko, Speaker of the State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, Chairman of UBA Plc Mr. Tony Elumelu, Member of the House of Representatives Hon. Ngozi Okolie, Senator James Manager, former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, NDDC Chairman Mr. Chiedu Ebie, Air Vice Marshal Frank Ajobena, and various traditional rulers.
