…you will not die in office, Bishop Babalola prays for governor
By James Ndukwe
Nigeria’s Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, and the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, have extolled the exemplary life and outstanding contributions of bar leader and life bencher, late Alfred Eghobamien, SAN, to the peace and development of Edo State and Nigeria at large.
Prof. Osinbajo, who participated in the service of songs organised in honour of the late legal luminary at the Methodist Church in Benin City, via zoom, said the remarkable exploits of late Eghobamien in the legal community, for almost four decades, will be greatly missed.
On his part, Obaseki described the late Eghobamien as a friend, ally, confidant and supporter.
The governor was accompanied by his wife, Betsy; wife of the deputy governor, Mrs. Maryann Shaibu; Speaker of the Edo House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Frank Okiye; Edo State Chief Judge, Justice Esther Edigin, and the Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., among others.
The governor noted that during the political storm in the state, the late Eghobamien was one of those he relied on to meander through the attendant delicate political and legal issues.
According to Obaseki, “I will miss his frank and unbiased counsel. Undoubtedly, his passing has created a huge vacuum both in the Ogbeide-Oyo family and in our society at large.
“Uncle Alfred was a gift to our family; though we mourn his passing, we should also be glad and thankful to God Almighty for giving us a bold, courageous and accomplished lawyer and a beacon of noble values.”
Earlier, the Bishop in charge of Methodist Church Edo/Delta Diocese, Bishop Olanrewaju Babalola, prayed that Governor Obaseki will not die in office, and will deliver on his campaign promises to Edo people in his second term.
The cleric noted: “You have been naturally created to be the governor of Edo at this time and I pray for you that you will succeed.
“In this second tenure you will succeed. By the grace of God victory is sure for you; you will not die in office.
“A piece of admonition sir; don’t discuss your enemies, rather discuss issues that will bring progress to the entire Edo State; discuss issues that will make people stand by you to be the president of this country.
The Bishop also prayed for the family of the deceased that God grants them the fortitude to bear the loss, noting that the church, the state and the entire Nigeria have lost a strong pillar.