Chief James Onanefe Ibori has condoled the Delta State Governor, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa, on the passing of his father, Sir Arthur Okowa, aged 88, on Thursday morning, January 28, 2021.

In a statement signed by his Media Assistant, Tony Eluemunor, Ibori poured encomiums on the late Sir Okowa whom he described as a political sage.

Ibori said that the late Sir Arthur Okowa was also like a father to him, and provided political support and advice all through his tenure as Governor.

He said: “I have known Sir Okowa for decades. He was one of the founding pillars of my political journey and government. I benefited greatly from his profound wisdom. He was an astute political strategist and tactician. We will miss him sorely. His memory will ever remain strong in my heart.”

Condoling the members of the family Sir Okowa left behind, Ibori advised them, especially Gov. Okowa, to take solace in the fact that Papa Okowa lived to a ripe old age and led a purposeful and eventful life. He prayed to God to grant Sir Okowa eternal rest and to send solace into the hearts of all those Papa Okowa left behind.

Similarly, Governor ’Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, on Thursday, commiserated with Governor Okowa over the death of his father.

Makinde, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, condoled with Okowa, urging him to take heart and take solace in God and the good legacy left behind by his late dad.

He said: “The news of the passing on of Sir Arthur Okowa, the father of His Excellency, the governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa came to me as a shock.

“I condole with His Excellency on the demise of the older Okowa and I urge him to take heart and take solace in God and the good legacy Papa left behind.

“The passing on of any loved one, no matter how old, always comes with a touch of sadness, because no matter how old a loved one is, we do not want them to die.

“However, as the Bible says that it is appointed for all men to die, we can only submit to the will of God. So, I encourage my brother to be strong and pray that God will grant him and everyone Papa left behind the fortitude to bear this loss.”

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