From Joseph Obukuta (The New Diplomat’s N/Delta Correspondent)
The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, Delta Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa and his deputy, Deacon Kingsley Otuaro, have expressed condolence to the family of late former member of the House of Representatives, Chief Austin Ogbaburhon.
Ogbaburhon, popularly known as ‘High Tension’, reportedly died after a brief illness at an undisclosed hospital on Thursday, June 25, 2020 in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
The former Board Chairman, Nigeria Rubber Research Institute and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), represented Ughelli North, Ughelli South and Udu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives between 2011 and 2015.
In a condolence message to the family on Friday, Senator Omo-Agege said the grassroots politician devoted his life in public service to the development of his state and the country at large, describing his death as a “great loss”.
“A distinguished leader and an outstanding public figure who put the interest of his country and the people above himself, Hon. Ogbabunor served his country with deep commitment. He worked tirelessly for the welfare of the people throughout his long political career, serving as Chairman of Okpe and Udu Local Government Areas, Chairman, Delta State Waste Management Board, Deputy Chairman, Delta State Peoples Democratic Party, Honourble member representing Udu, Ughelli North, Ughelli South Federal Constituency in the Federal House of Representatives and Chairman, Nigeria Rubber Research Institute.
“He was my dear friend and the recollection of my interactions with him on various occasions, have deepened my personal sense of loss and sadness. Undoubtedly, we have lost a wise and great leader whose empathy for people made him a much loved community and political leader in Urhobo Nation. He will be greatly missed by all of us.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Ogbaburhon family and friends as well as the people of Udu at this time. May God grant them the strength and fortitude to face this enormous loss,” Omo-Agege stated.
In the same vein, Governor Okowa, in a condolence message, said that Ogbaburhon, who was also a former Chairman of Okpe and Udu Local Government Areas, was a great politician who made his mark in the political history of Delta.
Okowa, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, on Friday in Asaba, described late Ogbaburhon as a grassroots politician and a leader of great disposition.
“Chief Ogbaburhon was Deputy State Chairman of PDP and later Chairman, Waste Management Board where he contributed immensely to the growth and development of the state.
“His contributions to the provision of employment for the youths of the state remains laudable. As Chief Executive Officer of Gabstin International Services, he created numerous offshore jobs for Deltans.
“Although he later joined the Democratic Party of Nigeria (DPN) where he was elected into the House of Representatives in 2011, he returned to the PDP later but moved to the APC in 2017.
“Ogbaburhon played his part in the political history of Delta and will be missed by all.
“On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta, I commiserate with his family, the Orhuwhorun community in Udu Local Government Area on the passing of Chief Austin Ogbaburhon.
“It is my prayer that God grant his soul easy passage and bring succour to all those who mourn his demise,” Okowa stated.
Similarly, the State Deputy Governor, Deacon Kingsley Burutu Otuaro, has expressed sadness over the death of Ogbaburhon whom he described as “another brother in Urhoboland”
“I know Chief Austin Ogbaburhon to be a strong, grassroots, go-getter politician who worked hard for the welfare of his people. His contributions to the development of Delta State as Chairman, Okpe and Udu council areas, Chairman, Delta State Waste Management Board and House of Representatives member, would project him as model beyond his death”, Otuaro told newsmen in Asaba on Friday.
“My heart goes out to his family, Orhuwhorun community in Udu LGA where he hails from and the people of Delta State for the loss. I am partly from Emadadja in Udu LGA, so Ogbaburhon is more like a brother whose death strikes the heart”, Otuaro lamented, adding: “May Almighty God grant the fortitude to bear the loss”.
Otuaro had, a week ago, lamented the death of Gen Orho Obada, Ex-Acting Chief of Air Staff and Chairman, Board of Trustees of Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) as one who expended his intellect in stabilising the polity just as he held out Hon Joyce Overah, Chief Tom Amioku and wife of Archbishop Goddowell Avwomakpa, Victoria, as “peace and development drivers in the state while alive”.
