Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has expressed sadness over the death of former Military Governor of the defunct Midwestern State and former Civilian Governor of old Bendel State, Dr. Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia who died at 84 years.

Governor Okowa in a statement issued in Asaba on Friday by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Aniagwu, described the late Ogbemudia as a patriot and a political icon whose life-long dedication and indefatigable commitment to serving the people will be missed.

The Governor noted that the history of the defunct Bendel State (now Edo and Delta) will certainly be incomplete without a chapter generously capturing the immense, robust and earth-shaking contributions of Gen. Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia to the social, political and economic development of the geo-political entity, Nigeria and indeed humanity.

Governor Okowa further described Dr.  Ogbemudia, a one-time Minister of Labour and Productivity, as a quintessential Army General, adroit and sagacious administrator, elder statesman, an astute politician and a patriot to the core, who no doubt stamped his footprints in the sands of time by touching the lives of Nigerians, particularly the people of Edo and Delta States.

Governor Okowa on behalf of the government and people of Delta State, joined the government and people of Edo State, the numerous friends, associates, well-wishers and admirers of this political colossus of our time, a generalissimo, a soldiers’ soldier, a patriot per excellence, a workaholic, an exemplary leader and achiever of all times in mourning Dr. Ogbemudia whose many years of service to his father land and mankind remains indelible in the hearts of many.

He prayed God to grant the immediate family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.