Dignitaries from across Nigeria converged on Onicha-Olona in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State as Chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA), Mr Tony Elumelu, laid his late father-in-law, Pa Israel Chinwuba Ogbue, to rest.
Among those in attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima; Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori; former Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa; as well as members of the National and State Assemblies, federal ministers, commissioners, captains of industry, and other prominent Nigerians.
Speaking at a reception held after the burial service, Vice President Shettima extended his condolences to the Ogbue family and the Delta State Government, describing the passing of Pa Ogbue as a “glorious exit.”
He noted that the deceased lived a fulfilled life marked by impactful contributions to both the public and private sectors.
The Vice President further highlighted the enduring legacy of the late patriarch through his children, particularly his first daughter, Dr Awele Elumelu, and her husband, Mr Tony Elumelu, whom he described as accomplished individuals reflecting the values instilled by their father.
He added that although the death of the 99-year-old was deeply felt, it should also be seen as a transition to eternal glory, urging the family to immortalise him by upholding the virtues and principles that defined his long and impactful life.
The burial service took place at Saint Peter’s Anglican Church, Onicha-Olona, where the Bishop of Asaba Diocese, Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Kingsley Obuh, delivered a sermon titled “From Earthly Tent to Eternal Home.”
He emphasised that the best way to depart from the world is to die in Christ, noting that Pa Ogbue devoted his life to the service of God and humanity.
Bishop Obuh urged the congregation to embrace a life of faith, stressing that a Christ centred life remains the sure path to eternal rest.
In separate interviews, Dr Awele Elumelu, her husband, Mr Tony Elumelu, as well as other children and grandchildren of the deceased, described Pa Ogbue as a pillar of strength and a remarkable figure whose influence extended beyond the family to the corporate world and society at large. They pledged to preserve and build upon his legacy.
Earlier, the immediate past Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, announced on behalf of his brother, Mr Tony Elumelu, a donation of ₦500 million to the Asaba Diocese of the Anglican Communion, Delta State, to support development projects over a period of five years.
Guests were later treated to a reception at the premises of Iye-Ogbe Primary School, Onicha-Olona.
The Vice President, accompanied by the Delta State Governor, was subsequently hosted to a private reception at the country home of Mr Tony Elumelu in Onicha-Uku, Aniocha North Local Government Area.
At the brief but colourful event, the Aniocha North Local Government Traditional Rulers Committee, the statutory umbrella body for all gazetted traditional rulers in the area, honoured the Vice President with the chieftaincy title of Odoziani of Aniocha North.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori was also adorned with the traditional Okwa-Ocha native attire as a symbol of great honour and deep cultural respect.
