By Abiola Olawale
Senator Ede Dafinone, who represents the Delta Central Senatorial District of Delta State, in a heartfelt tribute has expressed profound shock and sorrow in response to the sudden passing of a former minister of State for Education, Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi.
The Federal lawmaker in a statement issued on Sunday described the demise of Gbagi, the 2023 governorship candidate of Social Democratic Party (SDP) gubernatorial candidate in Delta State, as a remarkable loss to the Urohobo nation, Delta state, and Nigeria at large.
Senator Dafinone described Gbagi as a dedicated and exemplary leader who left an indelible mark on society.
The lawmaker offered his condolences and shared his sympathies with the family, friends, and associates of the late candidate.
He also urged the family and friends of the deceased to take solace in the iconic legacies Gbagi left behind, praying that God will grant them solace to bear the irreparable loss.
The statement reads: “It is with a heavy heart that I, Senator Ede Dafinone, representing the esteemed people of Delta Central Senatorial District, extend my deepest condolences to the Gbagi family, of Oginigbo, Ughelli South Local Government Area, Urhobo Nation, friends, and associates on the passing of Olorogun Barr. Kenneth Gbagi at 62 years old.
“The news of Olorogun Barr. Kenneth Gbagi’s demise on May 4th, 2024, has left us all in deep sorrow. His passing represents not just the loss of a remarkable individual but also the departure of an iconic figure in the Urhobo Nation, a distinguished lawyer, an astute industrialist, and a former Minister of Education.
“Throughout his life, Olorogun Barr. Kenneth Gbagi exhibited unwavering dedication and exemplary leadership in various spheres, leaving an indelible mark on our society. His contributions to the legal profession, industry, and education sector will be remembered and cherished for future generations.
“During this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with the Gbagi family as they navigate through this period of grief and loss. May they find solace in the fond memories and enduring legacy of Olorogun Barr. Kenneth Gbagi.
“Gbagi’s death is also a personal loss to me, since 1997 when we first met, we enjoyed robust, rewarding friendships and his passing has created a huge vacuum in Urhobo Nation.
“As we mourn his passing, let us also celebrate his life and his profound impact on our community and nation. His legacy will continue to inspire and guide us in our collective pursuit of progress and development. “Once again, I extend my deepest sympathies to the Gbagi family and pray for strength and comfort during this trying time,” the statement added.
It would be recalled that Gbagi passed away on Saturday, May 4, 2024. His eldest son, Chief Emuoboh Gbagi, has confirmed the demise of his father in a statement issued in the late hours of Saturday.
The New Diplomat reports that Olorogun Gbagi was born in Sapele, Delta State, about 62 years ago. He attended Bishop Johnson Memory Primary School in Sapele. He was born into a polygamous home where his father decided that only the first child of each wife, out of his 21 children, would be sent to school. Being his mother’s third child, he wasn’t sent to school by his father. Kenneth Gbagi struggled to pay his way to school by doing various odd jobs, which earned him so much admiration and commendation.
He left his family home at the age of 11 to become a sailor. This took him to Argentina and thereafter traveled to Montevideo and some other countries. But his thirst for education prompted his return to Nigeria where he succeeded in enrolling in a secondary school even when his mates were already in class 3.
According to reports, the former minister was already 14 years old when he attended Kosofe Secondary School, Mile 12. Interestingly, he sponsored himself to secondary school by working as a bus conductor. Upon finishing his secondary education, Kenneth Gbagi worked with a Foreign Servicing company before traveling abroad to further his education. While in Hong Kong, he shot a movie titled The Birth of Hong Kong in 1993. This gave him some money to pay his tuition fee.
He gained admission into one of the oldest universities in the world, Sans Thomas University in the Philippines, to study political science. He left Sans Thomas University and graduated as a criminologist from the Philippine College of Criminology. He returned to Nigeria for his National Youth Service. He served with the Nigeria Police Force and taught many important officers in the Police Force.
He received his first appointment as a lecturer at the advanced wing of the Police College, Ikeja because the Police Authority was impressed with his academic performance during his Youth Service program. Along the line, he went back to School and studied Law at the University of Lagos. Afterward, he registered a security outfit and grew it to the top levels in Nigeria. He accepted and worked with the legal aid council in Nigeria. He became Minister of State for Education during the Jonathan administration.
