Dogara mourns Ogbemudia, says he left iconic legacies

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Yakubu Dogara, has condoled with the Government and people of Edo over the death of Samuel Ogbemudia, a former military governor of defunct Bendel state.

Dogara, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Mr Turaki Hassan, on Friday, described Ogbemudia as a leader who left indelible and iconic legacies.

“Ogbemudia’s contributions to the development of the state during his term as military governor of the defunct Mid-Western and later Bendel State remains indelible and iconic.

“His later election as civilian governor of present Edo State was, perhaps, the most befitting testimony of his performance rating by the people of the state,’’ the Speaker said.

While urging leaders to borrow a leaf from the selfless service the late elder statesman demonstrated during his lifetime, Dogara stressed that emphasis should be on building legacies that would outlive them.

“In the short time Ogbemudia had in public office he held, left a lasting legacy in the hearts of people, especially those from the old Mid-West region and Bendel State in particular.

“He is a reminder that we, as leaders, must engage in activities that will promote the growth, development and well-being of our people,’’ Dogara added.

The speaker prayed God to console the family he left behind, grant them the fortitude to bear the loss and eternal rest to his soul.

Newsverge reports that Ogbemudia was military Governor of the Mid-West State from 1967 to 1975.

The state was later renamed Bendel State, part of which in turn became Edo State.

He served as Bendel State governor from October to December, 1983 and was also Minister of Labour and Productivity during Gen. Sani Abacha’s regime.

He was also a Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before he retired from active politics.