The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki has mourned the passing of retired surgeon, writer and Edo historian, Dr. Ekhaguosa Aisien, who died aged 91.
The governor, in a statement, described Dr. Aisien’s death as a loss to the Edo nation, noting that he bequeathed a rich oeuvre on Benin people and their history to unborn generations through his published books.
According to him, “I am saddened by the news of the passing of Dr. Ekhaguosa Aisien, a retired surgeon, writer and historian.
“He was conscientious, brave and humane, setting himself apart as an authority in Benin history and culture. We are proud of his attainments in life as a surgeon, establishing the renowned Azuwa Hospital in Benin City, where he contributed to providing medical services to our people.
“Building on the works of his father, who worked with Oba Eweka II on the restoration of the ruins of the Benin Kingdom after the British invasion of 1897, Dr. Aisien worked assiduously to preserve our illustrious heritage, culminating with his work on the ‘Ewu Iwu’.
“He continued with publishing seminal works on Benin history, helping to document and preserve knowledge, culture, ethos and experiences of our people for future generations.”
The governor commiserated with the Aisien family, friends and associates of the deceased and prayed that God will grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.