Omo-Agege, Okowa, Others Bid Farewell, As Gen. Obada Is Laid To Rest

Deputy President of the senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and host of other dignitaries, on Friday, paid their last respect to Late Major-General Orho Esio Obada (rtd).

Obada who until his death was Chairman of the Board of Trustee of the apex socio-cultural umbrella body of the Urhobo nation known as Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), was buried at his country home in Agbarho, Ughelli North council area of Delta state.

Omo-Agege in his tribute described the late Maj. Gen. Obadah as a man with an impeccable character who represented the Urhobo people adequately during his military career.

“He was a man of his words. He was a disciplinarian as well and he didn’t play with his customs and tradition.

While fielding questions from newsmen during the funeral, Omo-Agege noted that the late General was known all over the country, adding that he made friends from all parts of Nigeria.

He said: “By record, his best friends are not even from this part of the country. He is a man loved by all. A man who was at home in the North, at home in the west, at home in the east, and if course, at home here.

“Obada, in his lifetime, fought for the unity of this country. As Shakespeare would say, we are all sojourners and pilgrims here. He came, he did his part and he is gone.

“The baton he has handed over to us. It is now our role to also fight and strive to the best we can to keep the country united and protected and give everybody a sense of belonging as Nigerians.

“That is the legacy he left behind which we have inherited. And hopefully, one day, it is the legacy we shall also pass on to the younger ones. He will be missed by everybody.”

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa in his tribute, said Obada’s passing is a great loss to the state and Nigeria, having served in various capacities in the military and government.

The governor who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Chief David Edevbie, also paid growing tribute to the former Federal Commissioner for Works,saying that he was a man of integrity and one worthy of emulation by Nigeria’s younger generation.

“Delta state has lost a great man, a man who served his country. He was a complete gentleman, he loved his people. After serving in various capacities, he came back home to serve his people. He was a man of integrity and up standing. Some of us that are younger will emulate him,” Okowa stated.

President general of UPU worldwide, Olorogun Moses Taiga, in his farewell message, described the former late Chief of Air Staff (COAS) as a “priceless asset”.

Taiga, who was represented by the first deputy president of UPU, Chief Captain Anthony Onoharigho, recalled Obada’s commitment to the Urhobo building peace bridges across Urhobo nation.

“He was a dedicated, passionate and courageous Urhobo leader and worked tirelessly for the peace, growth, development, unity and welfare of Urhobo nation and the country at large.

“Till he passed on, he was deeply involved in the ongoing efforts to curtail the worsening security situation in Urhoboland. Eto (nick name for Obada), we deeply mourn you. UPU will continue to mourn you, even as we admire and celebrate your indelible footprints in the sands of time,” the UPU leader stated.

Some dignitaries at the funeral were the Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, House of Representatives members, representing Ughelli South/Ughelli North and Udu Federal Constituency and Warri Federal Constituency, Rev Ejiro Waive, and Chief Thomas Ereyitomi  and former House of Representatives member, Chief Solomon Ahwinahwi.

A former Chief of Defence Staff, General Alexander Ogomudia and Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, represented by Maj-General J. O. Orifo were also present to bid farewell to the late Major-General.

Maj-General Obada (rtd) died on June 13, 2020 at the age of 81 after a brief ailment.