By Ovie Okpare
The remains of the former Federal Commissioner of Works, Maj. Gen. Orho Esio Obada (rtd), were on Friday committed to mother earth at Agbarho in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State amidst glowing tributes for the deceased.
Social and commercial activities in Agbarho, one of the busiest towns in Delta were at a standstill in honour of the late general who died at 81 on Sunday June 14, 2020 at a private hospital in Warri.
The burial rite for the late Chief of Air Staff (COAS) began on Friday morning with a brief lying-in-state at Urhobo Cultural Centre by the apex socio-cultural umbrella body of the Urhobo people worldwide, Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) in Uvwiamughe-Agbarho.
A lying-in-state at the Urhobo Cultural Centre is the highest honour given to a departed prominent Urhobo son or daughters adjudged to have made tremendous contributions to the advancement and development of the Urhobo ethnic nationality in the Niger Delta region.
Only few Urhobos including late Senator Pius Akpor Ewherido, had been honoured by the Urhobo people at the Centre with cultural display.
The casket containing the remains of Gen Obada which was covered in military uniforms were later conveyed to St. Endas College, Agbarho, where a Christian service was held in his honour by the Jehovah’s Witnesses.
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Speaking at the event, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, said Obada was an illustrious son of the Urhobo Nation who made remarkable contributions for the unity and development of Nigeria.
Omo-Agege noted that Nigeria and the Urhobo people would greatly miss his wise counsel on issues bordering on peace and unity of the country and the Urhobo ethnic nationality.
In his tribute, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, represented by his Chief of Staff, Olorogun David Edevbie, described the late general as a patriotic Nigerian who contributed immensely to the development of the country.
“Delta state has lost a great man, a man who served his country. He was a complete gentleman, he loved his people. After serving in various capacities, he came back home to serve his people. He was a man of integrity and up standing. He was very honest and upright. Some of us that are younger will have to emulate these traits from him”, Okowa said.
Also in his tribute, the President-General of UPU, Olorogun Moses Taiga, described Obada as a peace ambassador and his love for Urhobo people and Nigeria at large remains unquestionable.
Olorogun Taiga’s tribute read by the First Deputy President of UPU, Chief Captain Anthony Onoharigho, added further that the former minister was a ‘priceless asset’ to the Urhobo and would be greatly missed by all.
“Olorogun (Maj-Gen.) Orho Esio Obada was a priceless asset to the Urhobo Nation. He was a dedicated, passionate, patriotic and courageous Urhobo leader. Obada, who was a former 1st Deputy President-General, UPU, and until his transition was Chairman, Board of Trustees of UPU and Chairman, Security Committee, UPU, stood and worked tirelessly for the peace, growth, development, unity and welfare of the Urhobo Nation, and the country at large.
“‘Eto,’ as General was fondly called, was unpretentious about his love for his Urhobo heritage. He was proud to be identified as Urhobo. His selfless contributions to Urhobo causes were immeasurable. A devout Christian and respected community leader, General Obada was President-General of Agbarho Urhobo Improvement Union (AUIU) from January 2003 – January 2007.
“He served as Chairman, UPU Reconciliation Committee during the crises experienced in the Urhobo Nation under the UPU leadership of former President-General, Chief Joe Omene. He also served at various times as Chairman, UPU Electoral Committee.
“There is no gainsaying that General Obada’s passage to eternity came at a time when his usually quality contributions and services are highly needed.
“The UPU will sorely miss our great General. To us, we have lost a great leader, father, Advisor, bridge-builder and dependable pillar of support. He earned the respect of all, and was regarded very highly across the country and beyond for his expertise and experience.
“Indeed, he was the ‘Go-To’ person for critical security matters in Urhobo Land. Till he passed on, he was deeply involved in the ongoing efforts to curtail the worsening security situation in Urhoboland.
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“Eto, we deeply mourn you. UPU will continue to mourn you, even as we admire and celebrate your indelible footprints in the Sands of Time. Thank you for all you did for UPU and Urhobo Nation. Thank you for your sacrifices, kindness and thoughtfulness for others. Thank you for your spirit of generosity as exemplified in our Uwheru challenge”, UPU President General added.
The burial ceremony was attended by top former and present military officers including former Chief of Defence Staff, General Alexander Ogomudia, Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, represented by Maj-General J. O. Orifo, General Dominic Oneya and a host of others.
Also intendance was the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori; Former Minister of State for Education, Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi; member representing Ughelli North/South and Udu Federal Constituency, Rev Francis Waive; former House of Representatives member, Chief Solomon Ahwinahwi, Olorogun Fred Majimite and other prominent Urhobo chiefs and leaders.
