L-R: Governor Godwin Obaseki, Governor of Edo State; Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, Deputy Governor of Edo State; Gen Yakubu Gowon (Rtd), former Head of State; Chief John Odigie-Oyegun; APC National Chairman, during the service of songs of late Samuel Ogbemudia, yesterday.

By Eben Enasco Kingsley, Benin City

In honour of the late Dr. Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia, one of the patriarchs and two-term governor of the defunct Bendel state who died in the early hours of Thursday, 9th of March 2017, Edo State Government has declared Friday, 17th of March as public holiday.

The declaration of the holiday is to enable Edo people mourn and pay their last homage to the great leader and father of Edo and Delta state respectively.

A statement from the Office of the Chief Press Secretary, Mr. John Mayaki said students are expected to queue up in their Uniforms at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium by 9am while Civil Servants are expected to be seated for the Inter-denominational Church Service at the same venue by 10am.

According to the statement, “Government hereby urges all Edo people to pay their last respect during the burial ceremonies”.

Meanwhile, the service of songs for the late former Governor of the defunct Mid-West and Bendel state was on Thursday held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.

The event was attended by family members and dignitaries from within and outside the state.

In a message entitled, “what will you be remembered for? Rev Osama Usuanlele of the United Baptist Church said the essence of living was to affect lives positively.

Usuanlele said late Ogbemudia lived a fulfilled life and won the hearts of many.

He described Ogbemudia as a distinguished Edo man who fought for the development of the old Bendel State, now Edo and Delta.

According to him, he came, he saw and conquered and his legacies will live on.

First son of the deceased, Mr Samuel Ogbemudia Jnr., said his father would be remembered for his excellent works.

He commended the team that worked with his father, saying that they contributed to his success.

He also appreciated Edo state Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and his Delta state counterpart, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for their support to the family before the demise of their father.

Dignitaries present at the event included former Head of state, retired Gen Yakubu Gowon, Governor Obaseki of Edo, Chief Edwin Clark, Gen. Godwin Abbey, Chief Dan Orbi, Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Edo and Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, the 2016 Edo Governorship candidate of the PDP.

Others were Justin Okonobo, Speaker of Edo House of Assembly, Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin, Prof. Faraday Orumwense, Minister of State for Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Chief Odigie Oyegun, among others.

The burial service for late Ogbemudia will hold on Friday, March 17 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium by 10 am.

The late elder statesman died March 9, at a private hospital in Lagos aged 84.