By Ikhili Monday, B/City  and Nosa Eresoyen, Asaba

President Muhammadu Buhari has extended  heartfelt condolences to the Ogbemudia family as well as the government and people of Edo State on the death of Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia, a former‎ governor of the defunct Midwest region and old Bendel State.

 President Buhari joins them and other admirers in mourning the elder statesman who diligently served the country with courage and dedication at crucial moments in her history, both as military governor and a democratically elected civilian governor.

 The President believes that the late Ogbemudia, who had a distinguished career as a military officer, administrator and Federal Minister, has left an impressive legacy of hardwork, discipline and commitment to communal, state, regional and  national development.

 The President recalls the unique role of the elder statesman in the nation’s return to civilian rule in 1999 and trusts that, as a tireless advocate for equity, he will be long remembered and honoured for his dedication to the advancement of his people, especially in the fields of education, social welfare and infrastructure.

 President Buhari prays that God Almighty will comfort all who mourn the late Brig.-Gen. Ogbemudia and grant his soul eternal rest.


 Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan in his  press release said nigeria has lost a true statesman and legendary leader.

 The immediate past governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan says the news of the death of Dr. Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia came to him with mixed feelings of a deep sense of loss and gratitude to God for a life well-lived in the service of his fatherland, his state, and humanity. Reacting to the demise of the former military/ civilian governor of the defunct Midwest and Bendel State, Dr. Uduaghan described Dr. Ogbemudia as a “a towering figure, and truly an elder statesman – full of wisdom, selfless, and passionately committed to the development of not just the defunct Midwest and Bendel States, but indeed Nigeria given the role he played during the civil war and the positions he held thereafter as governor, minister of labour and productivity, chairman of the national sports commission, and until his death, chairman of the governing council of the university of Abuja”.

 Dr. Uduaghan noted that as two-time governor, military and civilian, Dr. Ogbemudia left a giant and indelible foot print in the sands of time for which posterity will always remember him. He said future generation of leaders have a lot to emulate from his stewardship especially his robust vision, exemplary leadership and zeal to deliver good governance to the people. He said both in Edo and Delta States which made up the defunct Bendel State, Dr. Ogbemudia set a record of unparallel development which has served as a benchmark for governors who have come after him. He said in the areas of education, roads, health, communication, and other social infrastructure, Ogbemudia proved himself as “a leader with great foresight, and can-do spirit”

 Dr. Uduaghan expressed his condolences to the wives and children of the deceased as well as the entire Ogbemudia family for the huge and irreparable loss. He urged them to be comforted with the fact that he died a fulfilled man and achieved greatness by dint of hard work, honesty and selflessness in his service to his fatherland. He also commiserated with the government and people of Edo and Delta States for this great loss, stating that Dr. Ogbemudia would be remembered for building  a solid foundation for the development of the two states for subsequent leaders to build upon.  According to the former Delta State governor, “Nigeria has lost an iconic leader, a patriot of uncommon breed, and hero of development, and father of modern day Edo and Delta States”. He said his many encounters and interactions with the late Dr. Ogbemudia had greatly inspired him and he benefitted immensely from his humility, rich experiences, wise counsels,  and encouragement as Governor of Delta State. He prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed elder statesman

 In his reaction, Ogbueshi Francis Onochie, a retired Railway Staff and a native of Asaba, described as Dr. Samuel Osagbiovo Ogbemudia as a great man who ruled the Midwestern/Bendel State well, adding that as detribalized governor, provided especially good road network and build schools. 

 “Ogbemudia will be remembered for great things, he stood for truth, fairness and justice, Nigerians will miss him greatly “Ogbueshi Onochie added. 

 Chief Ighoyota Amori a former Senator representing Delta Central and a PDP Chieftain described Dr. Ogbemudia’s death as a colossal loss the Nigerian people, especially his immense contributions to the development of all facets, politics, economic, others. 

 According to him; “Ogbemudia’s death portends a colossal loss to Nigerian people, very painful, he was a true Nigerian and a detribalized governor of the old Midwestern/Bendel, he will be remembered for his great works”. 

 Elder Francis Tolefe, a retired Bank Manager, presently Newspapers/Magazines Marketer, said Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia was first among equals, adding that his era as governor of the Midwestern/Bendel brought great infrastructural development currently being enjoyed by the people today.