Ismail Abdulazeez Mantu Reporting
Delta State, Nigeria
In a solemn ceremony held on Friday, prominent Nigerian leaders, including Edo State Governor Mr. Godwin Obaseki and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, gathered to honor the life and legacy of His Royal Majesty (HRM), Prof. Joseph Chike Edozien, the late Asagba of Asaba.
The memorial mass took place at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, West End Umuagu, Asaba, Delta State.
The distinguished attendees also included the Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, and former Delta State Governors Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa and James Ibori, among other dignitaries. The gathering reflected the profound respect and admiration held for the late monarch, who passed away at the age of 99 after a remarkable 34-year reign.
Addressing journalists after the service, Governor Obaseki lauded the late HRM Prof. Edozien as a paragon of intellectual brilliance and service. “He was truly an accomplished monarch. He is the fourth Nigerian to become a professor and has recorded many firsts. He is a great academic who decided to come and serve his people,” Obaseki said. Reflecting on his personal acquaintance with the monarch, he added, “He was an embodiment of knowledge, brilliance, respect, and excellence. He has done his own, and contributed his part, setting a good legacy for all of us to follow and be great. Always know that the talent God has given you is to be used for the benefit of His people.”
Governor Oborevwori, in his tribute, highlighted the monarch’s dedication to peace. “Our late father is a peaceful royal father. He has brought peace to the Kingdom and Delta State. We were preparing for his centenary birthday before he died. He has done very well,” he remarked.