By Danboyi Victor Ojogun
Pa Eden Okonye Ojogun from his history and his life and times were intertwined with major national and international signposts. Born to the family of Mr. and Mrs. Ojogun in 1914 when the First World War was fought, Pa Ojogun participated in the Second World War (1939–1945).
He fought on the side of Britain against Germany. As a child born in the year of the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern protectorates that heralded the birth of Nigeria, Ojogun was at home in all parts of Nigeria, spoke the three major languages of Igbo, Yoruba and Hausa in addition to his native Ika and indeed married from the North (Kaduna State to be precise).
His was a product of a marriage between Igbanke and Agbor-Obi. By the custom and culture in those days, as the great grandson of the Obi of Agbor, he was shared to the Prince Eke linage of Ogbenmudein. He headed the Prince Eke’s linage as the oldest until he passed away on April 26, 2012.
Late Ojogun who would be laid to rest on tomorrow at his residence in Agbor, Delta Sate, is survived by 11 children, who were brought up in the fear of the Almighty God and are all successful in various walks of life; 22 grandchildren and five great-grand children as well as many nephews and nieces with whom he was always ready to share his cosmopolitan outlook and wise counsel. Late Ojogun had the benefit of Western education.
He was about 12-years-old when his elder brother “marched” him to school. Ever since he supported education and encouraged adult education. He was literate and a linguist in all ramifications.
Late Ojogun was an industrious manwho was fearless. He was kind-hearted and humane and showed love to all who came his way. He never lacked what to do. He was at various times a soldier, an exporter of ginger and pepper, and a distributor of drinks, transporter, butcher, bank clerk and farmer.
He was resourceful. He was a devout Christian who never compromised his belief. He was not only an old soldier of man, he was indeed a soldier of God for all times: firm and fierce when it comes to defending uprightness and any righteous course.] He believed with God all things are possible.
He worshipped God and was given to witnessing. He often wondered how the “filthy and frail” being called man could be boastful. He encouraged all to grow in the righteousness of God through Jesus. He saw life as a gift of God. Ojogun shared the same philosophy with the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo that the greatest virtue is not in never falling but in rising each time you fall.
He believes if you fall seven times you rise seven times. He was rich, very rich; he was poor and very poor. He married many times. He mourned wives children, friends and relatives yet carried on in hope. He encouraged us, our friends and all those around him that tomorrow shall be better and that there is always hope for the living.