Okowa mourns Prophet Alex Alatan

Delta Governor, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, on Wednesday mourned the death of a prominent Benin-based cleric, Prophet Alex Alatan, describing it as painful.

Alatan reportedly died in a Lagos hospital on Saturday. The deceased hails from Abigborodo in Warri Notth Local Government Area.

He is founder and presiding Shepherd of the Celestial Church of Christ (C.C.C) Freedom Parish, Benin City.

The deceased, who was aged 59, is husband to Mrs Flora Alatan, Commissioner for Women Affairs, Community and Social Development, in Delta.

According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, the governor commiserated with the Alatan family and members of his church, over the demise of the renowned cleric.

He said that the departed Alatan was a loving husband and father who supported his wife's political career, which has culminated in her appointment as Commissioner and member of the State Executive Council.

He said, "On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I mourn the passing of a great cleric and preacher of God's word, Prophet Alex Alatan, who reportedly passed on shortly after recovering from an illness.

“The news of his death came to me as a shock, especially now that the family and members of his church needed his wise counselling.

``He was a perfect gentleman who supported his wife's political career which culminated in her being appointed as Commissioner for Women Affairs, Community and Social Development and member of the State Executive Council." he stated.

Okowa prayed God to accept the deceased’s soul and grant fortitude to the family and friends he left to bear the loss.