The patriarch of the Ibru family in Delta State, Olorogun Michael Ibru, is dead, aged 86. The octogenarian business mogul according to a statement by his family died in a hospital in the United States of America on Tuesday morning. He was the husband of Mrs Cecilia Ibru, former managing director of the defunct Oceanic Bank. His reaction has elicited reactions from across the country.

Governor of Delta State, Dr.  Ifeanyi Okowa, described the passage as a national loss. Okowa in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Aniagwu, said it received with sadness and an immense feeling of great national loss, the death of Nigeria’s foremost entrepreneur.

Okowa described the late patriarch of the Ibru family as an epitome of integrity in business.

The statement read inter alia: “On behalf of my family, the Government and people of Delta State, I extend my sincere condolences to the entire Ibru dynasty of Agbarha-Otor, the Urhobo nation and Nigerians on the passage of the beloved, urbane, cerebral and quintessential businessman and industrialist whose contributions to the growth of commerce and industry in Nigeria remains indelible.

“Olorogun Michael Ibru was an accomplished businessman, entrepreneur, philanthropist and community leader who built the Ibru dynasty to command the respect, trust and love of the entire country.”

“He will be sorely missed by all and sundry whose lives he affected in many several ways. I therefore urge all who mourn the demise of Olorogun Michael Ibru to take solace in the fact that his was a life of great accomplishments in which we give thanks to the Almighty God for the indelible footprints of his achievements in the sands of time.”

Notable Ijaw  leader, Chief Edwin Clark, who is maternally-related to the late Ibru, said he had yet to come to terms with the news of the death even though the international business tycoon had been ill for long. He described Ibru as humble, gentle and philanthropic.

Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Monday Igbuya, also described  the late Ibru as a modest and strong businessman.

He said, “Olorogun Micheal Ibru was a shrewd businessman with a good heart.

“Olorogun Michael Ibru as an international businessman, philanthropist, educator, a lover of children, grassroots organiser and community leader gained the respect, trust and love of the entire country and he will be greatly missed.”