By Ben Ogbemudia
The former Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole on Sunday said he is in disbelief, shock and deep pain, to say the least that Captain Idahosa Wells Okunbo has passed on.
The former All Progressives Congress National Chairman said it is just too hard for him to come to terms with the reality that Capi as his popularly called is no more and words alone cannot appropriately capture the dark mood cast upon our land this day.
Oshiomhole in a press release personally signed by him reads, “I received this morning the unanticipated news that my friend Capt Hosa Okunbo has passed on.
” Capt Hosa was not just a good friend, but a brother and an exceptionally dependable ally in all my efforts for a better Edo State. He truly loved our state and wished only the best for its people.
” His generosity and capacity for empathy knew no bounds. He was a man of peace with an unlimited ability to forgive those who hurt him. He was a great source of inspiration for our youths, with a unique flair to understand and intervene on their behalf.
“He was sympathetic to all causes that sought to foster harmony, development and progress in society. He engendered an extensive support system that catered for all categories of the needy in all spheres of existence. His humanitarian investments in the health, education, economic and social lives of his people makes him perhaps the most celebrated philanthropist in Edo State until his death.
“He made himself available to solve the problems of everyone and at all times. Even with his personal health challenges, he never ceased to respond to the cries of the needy.
” His demise is an irreplaceable loss to humanity. Edo people and indeed Nigerians of all political and religious persuasion will surely miss him.
” At this moment of deep grief across the land, I send my sincere condolences to his wife Nosa, his children, extended family and to his Royal Majesty Oba Ewuare II, to whom Capt Hosa was a very loyal subject and personal friend.
On part, the former Deputy Governor, Dr Pius Odubu said Captain Idahosa Wells Okunbo will be miss by all especially the youths who look up to him as a mentor.
He said Okunbo successfully captured the Air, the sea and the land and prayed God Almighty to grant his soul.
Prince Clem Ikanade Agba Hon Minister of State for Budget and National Planning said the passage of Capt Hosa is a painful loss not only Edo State but the country at large.
He said his death has created a huge vacuum that will be difficult to fill.
“Mr. Hosa made a very huge difference to the lives of countless people by his philanthropy. Despite his wealth, his humility, selflessness, strength of spirit and deep sense of purpose made him a national icon, a revered symbol of humanity, and a source of inspiration to many people.
“With his death, Edo people have lost one of its greatest sons. Our people have lost a colossus and a philanthropist par excellence. A guiding light has been extinguished; a philanthropic colossus no longer bestrides our world; but his legacy will live forever.
“I therefore extend my profound condolences to his wife and children and to all Edo people as we all mourn the death of Cappy, as he was popularly called.”
Dr Samson R Osagie, an Abuja base lawyer and Notary Public said words are inadequate to convey the depth of the pains in his heart at this moment over the demise of a great philanthropist, a rare gem, an accomplished Edo man who believes in his roots.
“He touched lives. He impacted society, yet he remained extremely humble. Captain ( Dr) Idahosa Wells Okunbo, you will forever be missed. Rest in the bossom of the Lord, Till We Meet To part no more.”
