By Eseoghene Emuke
The Urhobo Historical Society (UHS) has described the death of renowned educationist and Board of Trustees (BoT) Chairman of the influential Urhobo Social Club (USC), Chief Johnson Barovbe, as a great loss to Urhobo Nation and Nigeria in general.
Chief Barovbe, a founder of Westminister College, Lagos, died after a brief illness at his based in Lagos on Monday.
UHS in a statement on Wednesday signed by its President, Dr Aruegodore Oyiborhoro, eulogized the late Barovbe as one of its strong pillars and mentor to the influential Urhobo history group.
The statement noted that Chief Barovbe was one of the prominent Urhobo sons who gave strong footing to the association upon its formation.
Oyiborhoro said, “On behalf of the Editorial and Management Committee (EMC) and the Board of Trustees, Endowment Fund of the Urhobo Historical Society (UHS), I express my sadness at the shocking news of the passing of our icon, pillar, mentor and leader, Chief Johnson Barovbe.
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Chief Barovbe was one of the earliest prominent Urhobo sons to identify with the Urhobo Historical Society, and one of the closest associates of our founding president the late Prof. Peter Ekeh.
“Chief Barovbe was one of the Urhobo leaders instrumental to the relocation of the Urhobo Historical Society conferences to Urhoboland in 2004. Until his passing a few days ago, he coordinated the activities of the Society in Nigeria from his Lagos base, and played a huge role in the just held conference of November this year.”
The statement commiserated with Chief Barovbe’s family, people of Agbon Kingdom, Urhobo Nation and Nigeria over the demise of the elder statesman who contributed to the development of his people.
“The Society will miss his leadership, support, wisdom and counsel. We wish him rest in the bosom of the most High God till the last day when we meet again. We also pray that the Almighty God consoles his family at this moment of grief, but we are also thankful to God for Chief Barovbe’s purposeful and fulfilled life of selfless service to his family, the Urhobo people and country”, the statement added.
