…hails contributions to societal devt
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has condoled with the family of late Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty (HRM), Prof. Joseph Chike Edozien over the passing of their patriarch.
Obaseki led some members of the Edo State House of Assembly, Special Advisers and other top government functionaries to pay a condolence visit to the deceased family, at his place, in Asaba, Delta State.
Obaseki, who expressed grief over the passing, described the late Prof. Edozien as an impactful, strong, intellectual, and committed traditional ruler who loved his people and worked passionately for their development.
He noted, “We are here this afternoon with some members of the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA), Special Advisers, and other government officials to pay a condolence visit to the Edozien family over the passing of the Asagba of Asaba and also celebrate the life of an icon and a great man.
“I am lucky to have been associated with the Edozien family for quite a number of years, from my time in the United States.
“We are here today from Edo State to let you know that the Asagba of Asaba who has joined his ancestors is a great Nigerian who we are very proud of and we thank God for his sojourn on earth. He is another traditional ruler who has been very impactful; he is naturally so because of the sort of personality he was.
“He was strong, intellectual and a man committed to his community. We need to let you know that it's not enough to mourn him but to step back and look at his life and appreciate God for giving him to you and to us.”
Obaseki further stated, “We should also reflect on the contribution he has made, both the ones we can visibly relate to and the ones we can't. His presence in this community was a great asset. Having sojourned the world and being in foremost institutions in America, he left all to come back home to contribute his quota to the development of his people, which is quite remarkable.
“We are celebrating a great traditional ruler of Asaba. We are with you in this time of loss and want to tell you that we will always remember him for what he was to the whole of Nigeria and pray that God grants his soul eternal rest.”
Responding on behalf of the Edozien family, Chief Leroy Edozien thanked the governor and his entourage for coming to commiserate with the family