_By Violet Osatohanmwen Obamwonyi_
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has paid tribute to late Archbishop Patrick Ebosele Ekpu, the pioneer Catholic Archbishop of the Benin City Archdiocese, describing him as a father figure to all.
The Governor expressed his heartfelt commiseration during a condolence visit to the Catholic Archbishop of Benin, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubueze, wherein he acknowledged the late Archbishop’s contributions to the Catholic community and society at large.
Extolling the Archbishop’s love for education and exemplary lifestyle, Obaseki praised his ability to collaborate with both traditional and political institutions in dedicated service to the people.
He remarked that although late Archbishop Ekpu will be deeply missed, his devotion to Christ, his work in the Lord’s vineyard, and his service to humanity will be remembered.
According to Obaseki, “We are here today to commiserate with you. We are here to pay condolence to His Grace, the Catholic Archbishop of Benin City Metropolitan See, Most Reverend Augustine Obiora Akubueze and the Catholic community of the state, on the passing of our father, who was the bishop we knew in Edo while growing up.
“He was a father to all of us. And one thing that stood him out, which we would always remember him for, was his interest and love for education. He made the Catholic church the proprietor of choice in terms of the way he built the Catholic schools in the dioceses.
“In addition, his presence in the communities for decades, whether with the traditional institutions or government was quite commendable. We thank God that he lived a very fulfilling life. We thank God that he gave him to us and that in his lifetime, he was able to make a difference in our society and in our lives.
“So, while we mourn him, we should also celebrate him; celebrate his achievements. We would miss him but we would always remember him for the good he did to us in Edo State, the Catholic community and mankind.”
Earlier in his remarks, His Grace, Most Reverend Augustine Obiora Akubueze, the Catholic Archbishop of the Benin City Metropolitan See, expressed gratitude to the Governor for the visit, while observing that the late Archbishop Ekpu, as the pioneering Catholic Archbishop of Benin City Archdiocese, deserves a befitting burial in recognition of his contributions to humanity.
He said: “Thank you for coming for the condolence visit; we appreciate it. He was the first indigenous bishop of this diocese. He was the first Archbishop till 1994. Before he died, he was the oldest bishop in Nigeria. Because of his virtues and all he did when he was on earth, we want to give him a befitting burial. Do not leave us alone. We promise our continuous prayers for the smooth running of your government.”
Also present were the Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, his Deputy and Members of the House; the Secretary to Edo State Government, Mr. Joseph Eboigbe, and other members of the Executive Council.
