The immediate past Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, OON, has paid a glowing tribute to the late former Deputy Governor of Delta State, Chief Benjamin Elue, who passed on a few days ago at the age of 85.
Chief Elue served as Deputy Governor of Delta State from 1999 to 2007 and was widely regarded as a stabilizing force in the early years of the state’s democratic journey.
Elumelu spoke with journalists on Monday at the Obior country home of the late elder statesman in Aniocha North Local Government Area, when he joined the Delta State Governor on a condolence visit to the bereaved family.
Describing Chief Elue as a mentor, selfless leader and bridge between generations, Elumelu said the late Deputy Governor lived a life defined by humility, compassion and uncommon accessibility.
“Chief BSC Elue was a very forgiving father, soft-spoken and highly intelligent. He was truly a father to all of us, especially those of us from the same ward,” Elumelu said.
He recalled with emotion how approachable the former Deputy Governor remained even at the height of his political career.
“When he was Deputy Governor, I hardly felt the weight of his office because of his simplicity. I could walk into his bedroom freely. At that time, I had not even been elected into the National Assembly. Yet he made everyone feel valued and important,” he stated.
Elumelu noted that Chief Elue’s contentment and selflessness defined his leadership style, adding that he was widely rated as one of the best Deputy Governors not only in the South-South region but across Nigeria.
“He was content with what he had and never allowed power to change him. Even after leaving office, he continued to live a modest and exemplary life,” he added.
The former Minority Leader further described the deceased as a unifying figure whose influence transcended Aniocha North and resonated across Delta State and beyond. He stressed that the vacuum created by his passing would be difficult to fill.
Elumelu prayed to God in His Infinite Mercy to grant the departed elder statesman eternal rest and urged members of his family to sustain his enviable legacy and contributions to the growth and unity of Delta State.
According to him, Delta State has lost a true statesman whose life of service will remain a reference point for generations to come.
