Osinbajo: Ideh’s Tenacity was Vital in Delta State Creation

Sylvester Idowu in Warri

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, over the weekend, described the late former Member of the House of Representatives in the second Republic, Olorogun Patrick Emurode Siti Ideh as a patriot who fought for the independence of Nigeria and creation of Delta State.
Describing Ideh as a believer of social democratic ideals, the VP recalled that he was at the fore front of the struggle for the nation’s independent as a member of Zikist movement.
Osinbajo spoke  during the Thanksgiving Mass and Celebration of Life in honour of Ideh who was Okpako Orere of Otughievwen, the Ushota of Ughievwen clan and the Patriarch of Egbolor/Ideh family, at the Mother of Redeemer Catholic Church, Airport Road Junction, Effurun, Delta State.
While commemorating the passing of  Ideh, who died at the age of 95 years, he noted that God gave the deceased foremost lawyer long life because he knew he had so much to contribute both locally and nationally, adding that he did so much as an Urhobo illustrious son.
Osinbajo, who was accompanied to the event by the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Deacon Kingsley Otuaro, noted that, as a young man,  Ideh was involved in the struggle for Nigeria independence and was a member of the Zikist movement under the leadership of Late Zik of Africa.
According to him, Ideh’s tenacity, extensive goodwill and conduct were vital in the creation of Delta State adding “And today, we have Delta State, a product of his tenacity, a product of his good wisdom, a product of his commitment to his people.
“When we gather to commemorate the passing of a love one, it is natural to feel a sense of loss and sadness, but in the case of Chief Ideh, our grief is mitigated by gratitude and our sadness is moderated by the service of celebration of the life of a man who intensified his energy in the service of his people.
“He lived a life of service, a life lived with illustrious accomplishment of the highest order and an elegant testament of his devotion to service. A man who earned his achievements through an unflagging diligence”. Prof. Osinbajo stated.
The VP noted that Chief Ideh, having the skill, the tenacity and passage to have committed himself purely to his own enrichment opted to commit self to much larger thoughts of the people of Midwest region, to the people of his community and Nigeria at large.
“At home he was a prophet with honour and with several titles. He remained in the developmental trajectory of the country, and one who took up the mantle of statesman,” Osinbajo stated.
In his sermon, Rev. Fr. Michael Ekeke admonished all present that God expect us to show Him appreciation and thanksgiving in every circumstances.
Rev. Ekeke, who noted that, Thanksgiving is to show appreciation to God for all He has done for us, said when we give thanks and appreciation to God, it opens more doors and renew our covenant with him.
He noted that  Ideh lived a life of service to God and humanity, adding that, he use his political life to the glory of God.
Fr. Ekeke used the occasion to enjoin Christians to be actively involved in politics, saying, good leaders are suppose to come from the Christian community and exemplify the leadership qualities of Jesus Christ that would make the society a better place.
A valedictory court session, attended by the Chief Judge of Delta State, Justices, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SANs) and senior lawyers in the country, was held last Friday at Warri High Court in honour of the deceased.