Nigeria’s Former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, on Thursday, mourned the death of His Royal Majesty, Obi (Prof.) Joseph Chike Edozien, the 13th Asagba of Asaba, delta State.
It would be recalled that the paramount traditional ruler and renowned Professor of Medicine, on Wednesday, reportedly joined his ancestors at the age of 99 years.
While reacting to his death, The former Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential flagbearer in a statement, condoled with his immediate family, the people of Asaba, and the Delta State Government,
His words, “I am saddened to mourn the death of His Royal Majesty, Obi (Prof.) Joseph Chike Edozien, the 13th Asagba of Asaba in Delta State, just as he was getting ready to celebrate his 100th year on earth.
“His Royal Majesty was one of those forced to flee Nigeria during the civil war. Still, he rose in his chosen field of education and returned as a Professor in Nutrition from the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He was, like me, a believer of Nigeria’s ethnic cultures, seeing humanity first before ethnicity or religion and not only served for long periods in the Southwest city of Ibadan but also took his wife, Modupe Smith, from there.
“He was instrumental in General Ibrahim Babangida’s choice of Asaba as the capital of Delta State, and I was honoured to be Vice President when Nigeria awarded this illustrious champion of ethnic diversity with the national honour of Commander of the Federal Republic.
“My condolences go to his immediate family, his subjects, the people of Asaba, the Delta State Government, and indeed our dear country, Nigeria, which has now lost one more patriot.
“I pray that his soul rests in peace.
“Farewell, Your Royal Majesty.”
