Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo state has declared a seven-day period of mourning in honour of late Dr Samuel Ogbemudia, a two-time governor of Bendel
Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo state has declared a seven-day period of mourning in honour of late Dr Samuel Ogbemudia, a two-time governor of Bendel State. The mourning period begin yesterday, March 10th.
The governor described the death of late Ogbemudia as saddening and prayed for his soul to rest in peace. Obaseki described the deceased as a fine military officer who helped to liberate the Mid-West region during the civil war. He said under Ogbemudia’s administration, Bendel became a leading state in education, sports and industry.
“As a two time Governor of Bendel State, which comprised present-day Edo and Delta states, Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia, will be fondly remembered for the strong foundation that he laid to consolidate the infrastructural, social and economic development of both states.
“Amongst his several milestone achievements was the Mid-West Institute of Technology, which is now the University of Benin. As we mourn our great leader and father, we take solace in the legacies he bequeathed Edo State and indeed Nigeria.”
Many readily recall the late former governor’s simplicity, especially his decision to serve as Bendel governor from the house he inherited from his mother. He was said to be never one for the perks of office, rather he cared deeply about good governance and youth empowerment.
When he was appointed governor, he felt the government house was too big and didn’t want his children to feel frustrated and disappointed that we were coming to a smaller house after his term in office, so he decided to stay put in his house and operate from there.
“The day of the coup and they gave the governors 24 hours to leave Government House, it didn’t affect me. I just took my brief case and came back home,” he once recalled.
