Tinubu Mourns Asagba of Asaba, APC’s Cairo Ojougboh
Akpabio, Oborevwori say ex-NDDC ED’s death shocking How he died during Nigeria, S’Africa match
President Bola Tinubu yesterday said he received with deep sadness the news of the passing of the Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Obi Joseph Chike Edozien.
The president, in a release issued by his Media Adviser, Ajuri Ngelale, condoled with the family, Delta State Traditional Rulers' Council, the government, and the people of the state what he said was a painful loss.
Tinubu celebrated the impactful life of the late monarch and eminent professor of medicine, acknowledging his advocacy for peaceful co-existence among Nigerians and inimitable role in forging partnerships across divides.
"His Majesty lived a full life defined by the loftiest ideals of peace, unity, patriotism, honesty, and dignity. This is a sad loss, coming at a time when Nigeria needs more peace-builders and bridge-builders," he said.
While praying for the peaceful repose of the beloved departed, the president urged the royal family and all those who mourn his loss to take solace in the legacies of his royal majesty.
Also, Tinubu has mourned the passing of the former Executive Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Cairo Ojougboh, who died on Wednesday evening.
Ojougboh was a member of the House of Representatives (2003-2007) and a leader of the All Progressives
Congress (APC) in Delta State.
The president condoled with the Ojougboh family and the government and people of Delta State over this tragic loss.
While praying for the peaceful repose of the departed, Tinubu comforted his family and urged them to find strength and hope in God Almighty, who presides over the affairs of men, as well as in the cherished memories and legacy of the late APC chieftain.
Meanwhile, the politician, was said to have passed away while watching the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-finals match between Nigeria and South Africa. A source close to the politician confirmed this to journalists in Warri.
“The incident happened when the penalty was awarded against Nigeria. Dr Ojougboh was said to have shouted and slumped due to massive heart attack when South Africa scored," he said.
Publicity Secretary of Agbor Community Union, Mr Augustine Ekamagule, confirmed the death of the Delta politician in a telephone conversation.
“According to the President General of the Agbor Community Union, Chief Laurence Onyeche, Ojougboh died in Abuja while watching the football match of Nigeria vs South Africa.
“He said a member of Ojougboh family called him around 3am on Thursday, informing him that Cairo Ojougboh had passed away. The family member said Ojougboh was watching the match and immediately South Africa scored the goal, he shouted and slumped.
“All efforts to revive him were not fruitful. It was around that 3am. the family announced his death,” he added.
Onyeche said with the death of Ojougboh, Agbor has lost a voice in Nigerian politics, describing him as the number one politician in Agbor until his death.
“On behalf of the PG and members of Agbor community union where Ojougboh belongs, we sympathise with the family," he added.
Also, the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has expressed grief at the passing of Ojougboh. He was 64 years.
Oborevwori, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon, commiserated with Ojougboh's family, the people of Ika nation, Agbor Kingdom and the APC family over the demise of the renowned politician.
He noted that Ojougboh was a grassroots politician and administrator, who excelled in the various capacities he served.
According to the governor, the deceased was a thoroughbred politician whose love for his people led him to contest, and win election to represent them in the Federal House of Representatives.
The governor said: "On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I mourn the passing of an astute and grassroots-oriented politician, Dr Cairo Ojougboh, who passed on Wednesday.
“The news of his death was shocking, given his invaluable contributions to the polity of the state and the country at large. Until his death, he was a renowned chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state."
Oborevwori regretted that the deceased former federal lawmaker passed when his services were needed more, adding that he would be greatly missed.
Similarly, President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has described the sudden death of Ojougboh, as shocking and a huge loss to the people of the Niger Delta Region and the entire country.
This was contained in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom.
The senate president said: "The late Ojougboh as a member of the House of Representatives, contributed in no small way, his quota to the development of his people as their representative from 2003 -2007."
"Ojougboh was the true voice of the people of Agbor, who ensured were seen and heard in the national scheme of things."
Akpabio recalled the contributions of the Agbor-born politician to the development of the Niger Delta Region, when he occupied the office of the Executive Director Projects in the NDDC, while he superintended over the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.
He said: "On behalf of my family, the people of Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial and the Senate, I commiserate with the Ojougboh family of Agbor, the government and people of Delta State, on this painful demise of a notable and committed son of Agbor.”