By Ben Ogbemudia
The death of Captain Idahosa Wells Okunbo has continued to draw the attention of Edomites across the world as the immediate past Deputy Governor of Edo State, Dr. Pius Odubu said the sad news of the passing unto eternal glory of one of the greatest sons of Benin Kingdom, Edo State and indeed Nigeria, Captain Idahosa (Hosa) Wells Okunbo came to him as a rude shock.

In his condolence message he signed and addressed to the Okunbo family, Dr. Odubu said @Captain Hosa was a rare gem, an achiever, and a record-setter with a heart of gold. He saw it all and did it all. In the air he soared like an eagle, on the sea, he sailed effortlessly, and while on land he was as steady as the rock of Gibraltar. A Consummate businessman and a philanthropist par excellence, he impacted all that came his way positively. If there is any soul that aptly epitomizes the saying that “it is well with my soul”, it is the soul of Captain Hosa.

The Benin race, Edo People, and indeed Nigerians have lost a rare gem. May your soul and the souls of other faithful departed through the mercies of God rest in perfect peace. Amen! My thoughts go to the wife, children, mother, and indeed the entire Okunbo family. Please accept my unmitigated condolences for this great loss. Fare thee well the great Cappy, for it is well with your soul!

The member representing Owan Federal Constituency and Chairman, Committee on Basic Education & Services in the House of Representatives, Professor Julius Ihonvbere extended his heartfelt sympathy to the family of late Captain Hosa Okunbo, for the great loss, while describing death as an inevitable reality.

In the condolence message, he said “I received with great shock the passing of a truly wonderful friend and brother, Captain Wells Hosa Okunbo. Humanity has lost a patriot, philanthropist, businessman, and a man with a social conscience.

“He truly believed in a genuinely democratic and progressive Edo State, Nigeria and Africa. While we mourn his loss, we take solace in the fact that he lived a great life and left legacies that will stand the test of time”.

“On behalf of my family and the good people of Owan Federal Constituency, I commiserate with members of his family, associates, and the great Oba of Benin on this huge loss”. The lawmaker, also prayed that God gives the family of the deceased, the fortitude to bear the loss and grant his soul eternal rest.

Dr. Samson Osagie said the news of his demise which filtered into the social media space in the early morning of 7th August 2021 was initially like one of those news items that turn out to be false, yet this was true.

A colossus of the Benin extraction fell to the cold hands of death.

The pains for me and for many were total, excruciating and inexpressible. Yet he has passed on to glory never to be seen by those remaining on this side of the divide.

Captain Hosa Okunbo, bestrode this narrow, difficult, and tempestuous business environment with uncommon zeal determination, creativity, and tenacity. This earned him real success in all the areas of his business adventure, Oil and Gas, Power, hospitality, Maritime Security,  Logistics, real estate, agriculture, aviation, construction to mention but a few.

Remarkably, his success endeared him to his roots lifting thousands out of difficulties and challenges through his exceptional philanthropy and unequaled generosity.

He was a lover of his culture and tradition and stoutly invested in promoting same with adroit humility and submissiveness to the suzerainty of the Benin traditional institution. His song at one of the traditional events held at the palace explains in a most profound way his commitment to the advancement of the Kingdom of Benin and indeed Edo State. He sang glowingly  “to be counted among those who join the Oba to develop Edo State”.

He was indeed a partner with His Royal Majesty in the Benin development project. Although not a politician in the real sense he was a politician’s friend who supported many to pursue their political ambition within and outside of Edo State. In many ways, Captain Hosa meant a great deal of support to humanity and he exhibited a rare disposition of a helper to many people at different times.

Perhaps Captain Hosa was responding in his unparalleled act of compassion and generosity to John Holmes who said “There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up”

He indeed lifted many out of want, squalor, and poverty. He touched lives, built bridges of friendship, and reached out to the downtrodden and communities.

For Captain Hosa Okunbo, it’s farewell from his physical presence on earth but certainly not farewell to his enduring legacies and uncommon acts of humility, compassion, love, humanity, and generosity.

We will surely miss him.

I wish him a happy rest at the bosom of his maker. May his immediate family be imbued with the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.