ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has described the deaths of former senator and political leader, Peter Nwaoboshi, and elder statesman, industrialist and community leader, Emmanuel Nuel Ojei, as painful losses that have created deep gaps in Delta State, particularly in Delta North, Oshimili North and Aniocha North Local Government Areas.
The governor spoke on Monday during separate condolence visits to the families of the deceased, where he paid glowing tributes to their legacies, describing both men as bold, principled and selfless leaders whose impacts would be difficult to replace.
At the residence of the late Senator Nwaoboshi, fondly called “The Oracle,” Oborevwori said the former lawmaker’s death came as a rude shock, revealing that they had spoken only a few days before his passing on issues of development. “I received the sad news with rude shock because I spoke with him just a few days earlier. I never imagined he would leave us so soon,” the governor said.
He described Nwaoboshi as a courageous and outspoken leader who stood firmly by his convictions, recalling their long political association dating back to 2006 during the agitation for equity and power rotation in Delta State. “Once he believed in a cause, you could not slow him down,” Oborevwori said, adding that the late senator made tremendous impact by raising people and serving the state with passion.
The governor said he was consoled that some issues dear to the late senator, including the Guinea House matter, were resolved before his death, noting that “there is truly a big vacuum in Delta North.” He extended condolences to the widow, Dr. Mrs. Judith Nwaoboshi, the family, political associates and the Anioma nation, assuring them of the support of the state government.
Responding on behalf of the family, Elder Emmanuel Nwaoboshi thanked the governor for the visit, describing it as a source of comfort and reassurance at a difficult time.
In a similar vein, Governor Oborevwori, during a condolence visit to Issele-Uku in Aniocha North Local Government Area, mourned the passing of Chief Nuel Ojei, describing him as one of the finest leaders produced by the area. He commiserated with the widow, Mrs. Vivian Ojei, her children and the entire family, noting that Aniocha North had consistently produced leaders of high quality.
“Each time I came here, I went straight to see him. He was patient, wise and thoughtful, always offering guidance and support,” the governor said, recalling that the late elder statesman continued to offer counsel even after he assumed office.
Oborevwori described Chief Ojei as a fulfilled man who lived an impactful life and was respected within and outside the country, assuring the family of the support of the Delta State Government as they prepare for his burial.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Nicholas Ojei, Special Adviser on Special Duties to the Governor and son of the deceased, thanked the governor for the visit, describing it as deeply comforting. He said his late father held the governor in high esteem and was a man of uncommon generosity who helped many people quietly.
He pledged that the family would uphold their father’s legacy of service, while appealing for prayers and support ahead of the burial, adding that although the loss was sudden, they believed he had fulfilled his assignment on earth.
