The news of the death of Samuel Ogbemudia, former military and Civilian Governor of the defunct Midwest and Bendel state, has been confirmed by members of his family.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports Mr Ogbemudia died at on Thursday at a private hospital in Lagos at the age of 84.
Sam Ogbemudia, Jnr confirmed the death of his father in his official residence on Friday in Benin.
He said he would miss everything about his father.
He said his father taught him almost everything in life from childhood to adult.
“I learnt so much from him. He was a wonderful man. I will miss everything about him; both his biological children and non biological ones.”
Late Ogbemudia was a former Military administrator of old mid-western state from September 1967 – 1975.
Mr Ogbemudia also was elected civilian governor of Bendel state after winning the August 1983 gubernatorial election under the platform of the National Party of Nigeria, NPN.
Until his death, a was a chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth Ativie, Deputy Speaker of Edo House of Assembly, has described the Late Ogbemudia as a detrabalised Nigerian
Mrs Ativie told NAN that Mr Ogbemudia’s transition was a sad loss to the nation.
She described Mr Ogbemudia as an elder statesman and an apostle of democracy who maintained a firm belief in the rule of law and fair play.
“The news was shocking; we have lost a leader and bridge builder. He has contributed a lot to sustain democracy and the development of the nation.
“He is a good adviser : no matter the issue you take to him, you are sure that you will get good advice from him,” she said.
According to her, the power of life and death are the in the hands of God. We have to accept it as the will of God.
“I condole with the family and pray God grants them the fortitude to bear the loss. We will miss his fatherly advice and we have a lot to learn from him,” Mrs Ativie added.
A national leader and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Gentleman Amegor, also described Mr Ogbemudia’s exit as a painful loss.
Mr Amegor, who described the late statesman as his surrogate father, noted that “I am consoled with the fact that the late Ogbemudia lived a good life”.
“He was my surrogate father and I will really miss him dearly . He was everything to his children and others who were not his biological children.
“We are consoled with the fact that he represented everything good to humanity,” he said.
NAN
