Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the September 21 governorship election in Edo State, Dr Asue Ighodalo, has sent his heartfelt condolences to His Grace, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubese, the Archbishop of the Benin City Catholic Archdiocese in particular and the entire Edo Catholic Community in general over the home-call of Emeritus Archbishop of Benin City Archdiocese, Archbishop Patrick Ebosele Ekpu, at the ripe age of 92.

In a statement on Wednesday by his media team in Benin City, Ighodalo was quoted as expressing sadness at the passing of the Emeritus Archbishop. He however, encouraged the Catholic community in the state to rather celebrate his exemplary life of service to God and humanity.

“I am deeply saddened by the announcement yesterday, Tuesday, of the home-call of the servant of the Most High God, an exemplary and impactful leader, Archbishop Patrick Ebosele Ekpu, the Emeritus Archbishop of the Benin City Archdiocese. While the thoughts of the physical parting fill us all with grief and pain, let us be greatly consoled by his life of service to God and humanity.

“Let us be grateful to the Almighty God for bestowing on him the rare grace of longevity, and importantly, for serving God and humanity diligently, meritoriously and retiring with honour and dignity when he was due for retirement.

“On behalf of my wife, Mrs Ifeyinwa Ighodalo, and my team, please accept my heartfelt condolences. While praying for his immediate family and the Catholic community in our state for grace and fortitude to bear the loss, I pray also that God in His infinite mercy, will grant his gentle soul a peaceful repose,” the statement read.