Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has condoled with the government and people of Edo State over the death of ” Edo Best Ever Governor” and revered elder statesman,former governor, Dr Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia, who died last night.
In a statement issued by his special adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Mr Turaki Hassan, Dogara said Ogbemudia’s contributions to the development of the state during his term as Military Governor of the defunct Mid Western and later Bendel State remains indelible and iconic.
“His later election as civilian Governor of present Edo state was, perhaps, the most befitting testimony of his performance rating by the people of Edo state,” the Speaker said.
While urging leaders to borrow a leaf from the selfless service the late elder statesman paid during his lifetime, he stressed that emphasis should be on building legacies that will outlive them.
“In the short time he had in public office, he left a lasting legacy in the hearts of people, especially those from the old MidWest region, and Bendel State in particular. For me, he is a reminder that we, as leaders, must engage in activities that will promote the growth, development and wellbeing of our people in order to leave a legacy that will last long after we have been called from the earth,” Dogara said.
While expressing sadness that Nigeria has lost yet another elderstatesman, the Speaker prayed the Almighty God to console the family he left behind, grant them the fortitude to bear the loss and give eternal rest to his soul.
Ogbemudia was military Governor (1967–1975) of the Mid-West State, later renamed Bendel State, part of which in turn became Edo State. He was Bendel State governor from October to December 1983. He was also a minister for Labour and Productivity under Gen Sani Abacha’s regime.
He was also a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before he retired from active politics.
