Ogbemudia immortalised himself — Oshiomhole

FORMER Edo State governor, Adams Oshiomhole, has stated that the late former governor of Mid-West Region, Dr Samuel Ogbemudia, placed himself in the nation’s history long before his death with his deeds, pointing out that “Dr Ogbemudia immortalised himself.”

Governor Oshiomhole said beyond any honour anyone can do the late Dr Ogbemudia, the late Bendel State governor laid a solid foundation for tea development of the present Edo and Delta states and that generations to come will hear and read about him.

Comrade Oshiomhole stated this when he paid a condolence visit on the amply of the Ogbemudia at their Benin residence on Saturday.

Oshiomhole, who was joined by his former deputy, Hon Pius Odubu, and others, said he could not resist fraternising with Dr Ogbemudia despite their political differences because of his achievements and passion for development.

In his condolence, Oshiomhole says, “our great leader and father, we are sad that you have gone at this time. The truth is that your name lives in our hearts forever.

“You immortalised yourself through the solid foundation you laid for our great state. May your gentle soul rest in peace.”

He was received by eldest son of Dr Ogbemudia, Samuel Ogbemudia Jnr, and wife of the deceased, Mrs Clara Ogbemudia.

He said, “I have drawn heavily and shamelessly from his fountain of knowledge. It is not flattering to say that God sent Ogbemudia to lay a foundation for us.

“One will appreciate this by the time one realises that as are the time he laid this solid foundation, some of his counterparts felt they had no obligation to the people of their states as a military administrator.

“What Ogbemudia did flew from a genuine conviction that this part of the world deserved the very best.

“I’m sure therefore at this hour of grief that we must find sufficient consolation from the fact that our leader immortalised himself.

“Cross tribunal length and breadth of Edo and Delta states, you will find people pointing at roads done by Ogbemudia. Those yet unborn will hear and read about his story in the years ahead.

“I’m happy because he left without being a partisan politician. If what men do defines their places after departure, I have joined doubt that our father is resting in heaven.

“I pray to God for the children and family to find favour from the men and women theoretical father impacted in.”