Just as the Igala kingdom and Kogites in general are wiping our tears in a painful one year remembrance of the sad exit and an unfortunate demise of the late minister of state for labour and employment, Barrister James Eneojo Ocholi who left this sinful world together with his wife and son in a ghastly motor accident along Abuja-Kaduna road, we were hit by the news of the sudden death of another great man, Dr. Adinoyi Ojo Onukaba in another ghastly motor accident on his way back to Abuja from Abeokuta where he was a guest at the Olusegun Obasanjo presidential library and the 80th birthday ceremony of the former president.
Dr. Onukaba, to some, you were a veteran journalist who diligently rose through the ranks to become a managing director of Daily Times Nigeria plc. To others, you were an author of many books, a playwright, a technocrat per excellence, a senior special assistant on media to a former vice president, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and a gubernatorial aspirant. To me, you are a mentor, a role model and a sage whose philosophy and peaceful dispositions are worthy of emulation. You were a gentleman to the core and an inspiration to the younger generation of Ebira youth and the nation at large.
In the political arena, your resolve to play politics without rancour, character assassination and animosity was exemplary, rare and stood you out amongst politicians of your class and generation who believes that bitterness, thuggery and desperation goes with politics. You were a truly detribalised Nigerian, an embodiment of knowledge and intellectualism, and an uncommon administrator. Generations to come shall continue to draw guidance, inspiration and benefit immensely from your vast wealth of experience, leadership qualities and philosophy to life many of which of have carefully highlighted in some of your books.
You left us when your invaluable advice, opinions and inputs are needed on how best to rescue kogi state from the siege and bondage of accidental politicians and the country at large from the prevailing economic and political inconsistencies. We love you so dearly but God loves you more and he alone knows best. You will forever be greatly missed…Adieu!!!
– Hussain Obaro writes from Lokoja, Kogi State
oseniobaro@yahoo.com
