BEVERLY HILLS, March 14, (THEWILL) – The body of a former governor of defunct Bendel State, Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia, who died of diabetes complications in Lagos last week, has arrived Benin City, the Edo State capital.
The ex- governor’s remains landed at the Benin Airport at 1:20 p.m. aboard a Nigeria Airforce jet 029 from Lagos accompanied by some family members and military personnel.
Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki and his Delta State counterpart, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, received the body at the airport as both states, which made up the former Bendel State, are collaborating to give late Ogbemudia a State burial.
Other dignitaries were also present.
Ogbemudia’s body was taken to his house at Iheya Street and kept in a room away from public view and security men were placed at the doors to prevent anybody from going in.
This was in fulfillment of the dying wishes of the Late Ogbemudia who had written down details of how he wanted to be buried and among his wish were that his body should not be displayed for public view and he should be buried within seven days of his death.
Amongst those who were at the residence to pay tribute were former governor of Rivers State, Dr. Peter Odili; the member representing Orhionmwon/Ohunmwonde federal constituency, Mr. Patrick Aisowieren; Chairman Local Government Service Commission, Dr. Samuel Imuekemhe, and Elder Tes Soare.
In his tribute, Odili said, “You left indelible materials and human footprints. Your impact will last forever. You were a legend. You came at a trying time for the nation. You rose to the challenge and left an indelible foot print, materials and human. Your legacy will last forever. We are going to miss him. He inspired a lot of us, and by the special grace of God, the things he left will live on.
“Leaders should emulate the style of general Ogbemudia. He served the people wholeheartedly. He puts self behind, and the interest of the people above everything else. We really missed him, we did not know that it will happen now but in everything, we give glory to God.”
