By Isaac Aimurie, Henry Oqua and Tunde Olatunji
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, with some members of the State Executive Council, on Saturday, August 27, 2022, joined the family and friends of late Pa Sunny Aiguobarueghian Uyigue, to eulogize the former leader of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) whose Service of Songs and Funeral Service held at the Abehe Baptist Church in Benin City, the State capital.
Obaseki described the late Pa Uyigue as a leader who served the people creditably, leaving behind indelible marks in the hearts and minds of the people he served in various capacities in politics and the development of his community and the State.
“We are here to bid a final farewell to somebody who we will always remember for his contributions and the difference he made to our lives and politics,” the Governor said.
He shared with the congregation the support he received from the late political leader in 2015 during his consultations with political leaders in the State while preparing to contest in the gubernatorial election.
Obaseki said that late Pa Uyigue’s passing marks an important point in the history of politicians from the State and advised politicians: “We must take the lesson that we are in politics to serve and not to acquire.
“Politics is about service and about making a difference in the lives of the people, we cannot be great men from politics.”
He promised to reconstruct Abehe Street leading to the church, Oba Market and environs to ensure easy access to the area.
Pastor Friday Ekhator and other leaders of the church who led the emotion-laden church proceedings, said “Pa Uyigue was a devout Baptist, a man of faith, husband to the widows and father to the fatherless, who shared clothing materials to widows, sponsored orphans through school and used his enormous political influence to defend the interest of the church at all times.”
The children in their separate glowing tributes, described their late father as “one that sacrificed his all,” “the world’s greatest dad,” “the best father,” “the Iroko of Ovbiogie Town,” “super coach,” “the mirror of my life” amongst others.
They further said that their father loved education and instilled in them high morals and the culture of hard work.
The service featured song ministrations, prayers for the repose of Pa Uyigue’s soul and protection for the family he left behind.
