Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has described late Pa David Ogbomo as an outstanding political leader whose outstanding principles as a politician should be emulated by political office holders in Edo State and beyond.

Obaseki made the remarks at the funeral mass in honour of late Pa Ogbomo, a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, Benin City, Edo State.

Meanwhile, Governor Obaseki has also commiserated with the family of Mr. Francis Osazuwa, a leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Ward II, Oredo Local Government Area, over the death of his wife, late Mrs. Josephine Oviawe-Osazuwa.

The governor, who was at the residence of the party chieftain in Benin City, said the death of Mrs. Oviawe-Osazuwa was painful and prayed that God should grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss.

Speaking at the church service for Pa Ogbomo, Obaseki said “Edo State has lost a political icon, a true leader and father to many. He lived a meaningful life and contributed his part to the development of his community, state and the nation.”

"Pa David Ogbomo by all measure was a successful man. His outstanding contributions to the development of his community for over 70 years will remain engraved in the hearts of many. He is one political leader who has stood against corruption and was quick to refuse money from those seeking political offices who visited,” he said.

Obaseki promised to construct the road leading to St. Augustine Catholic Church, in Ukhegie Street, Benin City, to honour the uncommon contributions of Pa Ogbomo to political development in the state.

He said, "In honour of the memory of Pa David Ogbomo, we will award the contract for the construction of the road leading to St. Augustine Catholic Church, in Ukhegie Street, Benin City.”

At the residence of Mr Osazuwa, Obaseki said “We are truly sad over the death of late Mrs. Osazuwa, but as believers, we are encouraged to give glory to God in every situation we find ourselves. It is God who gives and takes. As mortals, we are encouraged to accept God’s will in every situation.”

Mr. Francis Osazuwa expressed appreciation to the governor and members of his entourage for the visit, and said the visit has strengthened him and members of his family.

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (middle); Secretary to the Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq. (left), and Head of Service, Edo State, Mrs. Gladys Idahor (right), during the funeral mass in honour of a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, late Pa David Ogbomo, in Benin City, Edo State

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (right); Special Adviser to the Governor on Political and Community Matters, Chief Osaro Idah (middle) and Leader, All Progressives Congress (APC), in Ward II, Oredo Local Government Area, Mr. Francis Osazuwa (left), during the governor’s condolence visit to Mr Osazuwa over the death of his wife, late Mrs. Josephine Oviawe-Osazuwa, in Benin City.