Edo State Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu, has described the death of Sir Victor Uwaifo as the end of an era in the African, Nigerian and Edo musical scene.
The legendary highlife star and professor of Visual Arts, University of Benin (UNIBEN), Uwaifo, died on Sunday, August 28, at the age of 80, at the Stella Obasanjo Hospital, Benin, after a brief illness.
Reacting to the demise of the musicologist, popularly known as “Guitar Boy” the deputy governor said, “the death of Sir Victor Uwaifo has suddenly closed an era in the African, Nigerian and Edo musical scene. He brought pride and glory to old Bendel and Edo State, as a worthy son and Ambassador through his magnetic live performances.”
In a condolence message to mourn the global musical legend, Shaibu lamented that “Edo State has lost not just a musical and artistic legend, but a great institution has fallen from us at a time the Nigerian youths need more of his mentorship and experiences.
“Language was the source of Professor Sir Victor Uwaifo’s fame; besides, his musical talent, the density and immensity of his artistic works, tourist outfit and love for creative arts were perhaps the major things that trademarked him.
“Adieu to the father of undiluted sounds and an all-rounder. A legendary Nigerian musician, writer, sculptor, and musical instrument inventor, who played virtually all instruments with all humility, in spite of his sound education as a PhD holder in Architectural sculpture. He was indeed blessed on every side”, Shaibu eulogised.
The deputy governor prayed to God to give Uwaifo’s immediate family, close associates, the musical and academic community, as well as friends and well-wishers, the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Also, the management of UNIBEN, and the member representing Ovia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Mr Dennis Idahosa, have described the death of the “Joromi” crooner as a huge loss to the entertainment industry, adding that Uwaifo’s passing had left a void that would be difficult to fill in the industry.
UNIBEN, in a statement by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Lilian Salami, said that the university community would miss Uwaifo’s uncommon mastery of the Arts.
“The shocking and wicked news reached us of the loss of a legend and great son of Benin Kingdom. Our most painful and heartfelt condolences go to his family, Edo State, the University community, his friends and loved ones.
“Sir Professor Victor Uwaifo (MON) was our 2nd UNIBEN Alumni Honorary Graduate, May his good soul rest in peace. The University of Benin Community will dearly miss his uncommon mastery of the Arts. We pray to God to grant us all the will to bear this great irreplaceable loss”, Professor Salami wrote.
On his part, the federal legislator, Idahosa, in a statement endorsed by his media aide, Friday Aghedo, said the entertainment industry had lost a legend.
Describing the late Uwaifo as “a pride of Edo in the Nigeria creative industry”, Idahosa added that the state had lost a legend in the iconic musician.
“Sir Victor Uwaifo was a musical export, Edo’s pride and a great patriot. Indeed we have lost one of the very best old wines in the creative industry. Though he’s gone, his music will speak well of his legacies,” the legislator consoled.
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