By Onome Oghenetega
Delta State was thrown into mourning on Friday following the death of a former Deputy Governor of the state, Chief Benjamin Elue, who passed on at the age of 85.
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, expressed deep sorrow over the demise of the elder statesman, describing him as a loyal patriot, seasoned administrator and committed party man whose contributions to the growth and stability of the state would remain indelible.
Elue served as Deputy Governor to former Governor, James Ibori, between 1999 and 2007, in the early years of the Fourth Republic.
In a condolence message issued in Asaba by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, Oborevwori said the news of Elue’s passing was received with shock and pain, but with gratitude to God for a fulfilled life devoted to service.
He described the late octogenarian as not only a distinguished politician but also a renowned teacher who committed his life to mentoring younger generations.
“Chief Benjamin Elue was a man of honour and integrity who served our dear state with passion and loyalty. His invaluable service to Delta and its citizens will remain evergreen,” the governor said.
Oborevwori noted that Elue’s calm disposition, wisdom and commitment to unity helped strengthen democratic governance in Delta State, particularly during the formative years of the Fourth Republic.
He extended condolences to the Elue family, the people of Aniocha North Local Government Area, Delta North Senatorial District and the entire state, praying God to grant the deceased eternal rest.
Reacting to the development, former governor James Ibori said he was heartbroken by the loss of his “gentleman Deputy Governor.”
“Heartbroken to lose my gentleman Deputy Governor, Chief Benjamin Elue. Thank you for the memories and the legacy. Rest on, Alum,” Ibori stated.
Also mourning the elder statesman, Deputy President of the 9th Senate, Ovie Omo-Agege, described Elue as a humble, loyal and dedicated leader of unparalleled pedigree.
Omo-Agege, in a statement signed by his media adviser, Mr. Sunny Areh, said Elue laid the template for how deputy governors should conduct themselves to engender stability and trust within the executive arm of government.
“Chief Elue completely keyed into the developmental agenda of his principal and earned the respect of political and administrative leadership in Delta State. I can attest that he was a principal factor in the success of that administration,” he said.
The former Deputy Senate President added that Elue bequeathed a legacy of humility, trust and camaraderie between deputy governors and their principals, lamenting that such a model had not been sustained in some subsequent administrations.
Chief Elue, an educator, businessman, politician and community leader from Obior in Aniocha North Local Government Area, is widely remembered for his humility, loyalty and stabilising influence during his eight-year tenure as deputy governor.
