Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has visited the palace of the Asagba of Asaba to commiserate with the family and the people of Asaba at large on the passing of His Royal Majesty Obi Professor Chike Edozien, CFR.
Addressing palace chiefs, the widow and family members of the late monarch in the company of his deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, members of the State Executive Council, and other top government functionaries, Oborewovori expressed shock at the passing of the revered monarch.
The Governor said, “A few days ago, I received a letter from the Palace of the Asagba of Asaba, informing me of the demise of HRM Obi Professor Joseph Chike Edozien, CFR.
“It came to us as a rude shock because I remember that during my campaign, when I was here, Agunwanyi was also seated beside the Asagba, and he prayed for me.
“After my swearing-in, I came to this same palace one quiet evening, and we discussed at length the development of Asaba.
“It is sad that His Royal Majesty has passed on because he was somebody who was well respected and who got to the peak of his career.
“When you listen to him, you know he is somebody with so much knowledge, and anybody who cares to listen must tap some knowledge from him; I can tell you that we are using some of his advice to work.
“I want to assure the family that we are with them at this time of grief. I commiserate with our mummy, Her Royal Majesty, Agunwanyi, the children, his family, the Palace of the Asagba of Asaba, the Asaba people, and the entire people of Oshimili South Local Government over his demise.
“We pray that God grants him eternal rest. We know that he has gone to rest with the Lord, and we are with you at this time of grief.”
In an interview with journalists during the visit, Governor Oborevwori expressed sadness at the passing of the respected monarch, whom he described as a leader who was passionate about the growth and development of his people and the peace and unity of the state and the nation.
He said, “The news of his death came to me as a rude shock because, no matter the age of a person, if he passes on, you will still feel it. Well, it has happened, and we cannot question God, and that is why I have come here with my Deputy Governor and other members of the State Executive Council to commiserate with his family, his subjects, and the entire people of Oshimili South over this great loss.
“Our prayer is for God to grant him eternal rest.”