Esogban of Benin Was A Father Figure, An Adviser Who Stood For Truth- Oshiomhole

 

                       High Chief Edebiri, Esogban of Benin

Hendrix Oliomogbe

Former Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has described the Esogban of Benin Kingdom, Chief David Edebiri as a father figure to Edo People and an adviser who stood for the truth at all times.

Born on September 2, 1929, Chief Edebiri joined his ancestors on Thursday July, 20 at private hospital in Benin after a brief illness. He was 93.

In a statement in Auchi by Mr. Victor Oshioke, his media aide, Senator Oshiomhole of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) (Edo North) noted that Chief Edebiri was a courageous leader whose lifelong ideology revolved around enhancing the welfare of the people.

He mourned: “It is with sadness and deep sense of loss that I received the news of the death of my friend, the Esogban of Benin Kingdom, Chief David Uyunmwun Edebiri.

“He preached unity at all times, fought for what he believed in, and was always willing to offer valuable advice, drawing from his wealth of experience." 

Continuing Senator Oshiomhole eulogized the Esogban as a man of truth “whose tenacity of principle was well demonstrated by his independent disposition”, a trait which he said made it practically impossible for anyone to intimidate him over his political choices.

According to the immediate past Edo State governor, the Benin high chief was a stabilizing force and a source of inspiration to all Edo people who looked up to him for guidance.

During his stint as governor, he disclosed that he consulted him on several occasions and on each of those instances, he was always impressed by his deep knowledge, understanding and frank assessment of the dynamics of  peculiar socio-political environment of Edo State.

While expressing his heartfelt condolences to the Esogban's immediate family, the Oba of Benin, Omo N'Oba Ewuare II, and the entire Benin Kingdom for the collosal loss, Senator Oshiomhole remarked that the high chief lived a long, fulfilled life and touched so many people in so many positive ways.

He mourned: "Chief Edebiri will be remembered as a man of uncommon wisdom, a conscientious leader and a father figure who was always available to offer the much needed counsel for the advancement and progress of Edo state.

“His departure, no doubt, will create a vacuum that will take a long time to fill. While we cannot question God for calling him at this time, our prayer is that he finds peace and eternal rest in paradise."