By Seyi Babalola
Immediate past Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Ikanade Agba, has mourned the Esogban of Benin Kingdom, Chief David Edebiri, who passed, on Thursday, July 20, 2023, at the age of 93, describing his exit as painful.
Agba, in a statement on Friday, said Chief Edebiri’s transition was a great loss to the Benin kingdom and, more especially, the Palace of the Oba of Benin, where he served with distinction as a chief.
He commiserated with the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolor, Ewaure II, the family of the Esogban and the entire Kingdom on his (Esogban’s) transition.
He said that the late Esogban, who was a frontline journalist of the anti-colonial struggle and an engaging prose stylist, was a statesman of huge repute who deployed his wise counsel and invaluable guidance in helping the youth and those who looked up to him for direction.
“An iconic statesman, a refined leader, and a great counsellor came, saw, conquered, and has taken his dignifying exit. I was a beneficiary of his wise counsel and his positive influence. I will sorely miss him. The entire Benin Kingdom and Edo State will, also, sorely miss him.
“I commiserate with members of his family and the Edo royalty on his transition. Chief David Edebiri, the Esogban of Benin Kingdom, lived a good life. His life and times were characterized by beautiful stories of great accomplishments. Journey well, my dear Esogban,” Agba said.
