Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has met with the Ogbemudia family on Saturday to pay condolence to the family as well as to discuss plans for the former governor’s state burial.
In addition, Edo and Delta states are collaborating to give the ex-Bendel state Military and democratic Governor a state burial, it was learnt.
The decision to bury the former governor, Dr Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia, was according to his wish to be buried immediately, it was learnt after Governor Obaseki met with some family members.
Wife of late Dr Ogbemudia, Clara Ogbemudia and his eldest son Samuel Ogbemudia (Jnr) received Governor Obaseki at the family residence in Benin City.
Meanwhile, the governor advised the family to respect the wishes of the late Ogbemudia and urged them to begin preparations immediately.
He also informed the family that their father would be given a state burial, while hinting that Delta State has already indicated interest to participate.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Governor Obaseki described Dr Ogbemudia as a hero of Edo and Delta state.
He said, “He is a father of modern Edo. He represents everything we have today. The infrastructures we have today in Edo and Delta are attributed to him.
“We grew up to know him as our leader, our hero and our Governor. As a student at Eghosa Grammar School, he would come, wake us up, and lead us in morning exercise. I could not have gotten through the electioneering without his support. He adopted me. In my first meeting with him, he gave me a pack of notebooks and asked me to take notes as I go round.
“He was always supportive. My project was his project. He was like my father. Nobody has served this state like him; it is going to be a state burial. We are working with the family and we will work things out.”
Photo Caption: Eldest son of the late Ogbemudia, Samuel, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki and Governor Godwin Obaseki at a courtesy visit to the deceased’s residence
