Palmer Ogheneyole Nathaniel
The general mood in the premise of the Delta State House of Assembly, yesterday, was melancholic as uncontrollable tears and wailing greeted the arrival of the remains of the Honourable Member representing Isoko South Constituency I, Hon. Kenneth Edafe Ogba.
Ogba, a first term lawmaker elected into the Assembly in 2019 under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was said to have slumped and died in the evening of Sunday 27th June 2021.
The remains of the lawmaker which was conveyed into the Assembly premises on an Apams Funeral Lincon Navigator Ambulance, accompanied by a long convoy of dignitaries chiefly of Isoko extraction, was received by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oberevwori and other lawmakers. The body was however laid-in-state at the chambers reception for few minutes before the commencement of the extra-ordinary sitting.
The Speaker of the Assembly who opened the floor for the tributes, described Ogba as a passionate lawmaker who was ready to learn the ropes of the legislative business in a manner that deserve commendation. While expressing deep sadness over the loss of another lawmaker barely 5 months after the death of the Majority Leader, Hon. Barr. Tim Kome Owhefere KSC, Oborevwori said Ogba was a man who pursued his dreams and aspirations with vigour and enthusiasm.
“Let me start by saying that I wish I had never had to make Valedictory speeches on grief anymore. This is particularly against my mission and vision for the 7th Assembly under my leadership. In less than six months, the House held two Valedictory sessions. Today’s valedictory session for the late Hon. Kenneth Edafe Ogba, member representing Isoko South 1 state constituency in the House is the third in the series.
“This is truly devastating for us as a House. I feel pain and anguish. This is not my wish for members of the 7th Assembly. I pray that henceforth, we shall not have valedictory session on grief again in Jesus mighty name, amen” he said.
Continuing, “Distinguished Honourable Colleagues, let me speak about Honourable Kenneth Edafe Ogba that I know. Honourable Ogba stands out by virtue of his physical frame and size. You cannot miss him in a crowd. He was a huge man with huge dreams and hopes for his people of Isoko South 1 State Constituency”.
“Because this crucial exercise happens behind the scenes, it does not make headlines; only his colleagues know the time and effort he put into the Bills before the House. Our fallen colleague was a man of grace and elegance, laced with that unforgettable voice that rolled deep from his majestic frame. He had witty sense of humour which he often deployed to drive his point home”.
The Speaker described Ogba as a man with many personalities, an amiable character, a solution provider, an embodiment of humility, very passionate in what he believed in and an avowed believer in the empowerment of the downtrodden.
He added; “No wonder his popular nickname, “Presido.” He was truly a man of the people because he always put his constituents first before himself”.
“In spite of his relative achievements as an entrepreneur before his election as the Member representing Isoko South I State Constituency, Honourable Ogba stooped low, remained humble, simple, approachable and ready to learn. As a first time member of the House, he was always willing and quick to respect constituted authorities and professional superiors with zeal. These attributes earned him Chairman, House Committee on Power and Energy and Deputy Chairman, Committee on Special Duties. He was also a member of the following committees: Finance and Appreciations; Education; Health; Youth and Sports Development; Science and Technology; Agriculture and Natural Resources; and Urban Renewal”, Oborevwori said.
On his part, the member representing Isoko South constituency II, Hon. (Chief) Ferguson Onwo, said Ogba’s death was painful and heart-wrecking. Onwo who described himself as the “Chief mourner”, said the deceased lawmaker was a man who never hated even his staunchest adversary. He said Ogba will at all times be remembered for his good works and dedicated selflessness.
“Mr. Speaker, distinguished colleagues, I am standing here today as the chief mourner. Ken was a personal friend and a brother. Very respectful and accommodating. He is perhaps one of the most hospitable persons I have ever known.
“One good thing with him is this. Even though both of us may disagree privately, he never allowed our disagreements to come to the open. He still gave me the maximum respect of an elder brother. His death is a great loss to the Isoko nation and the entire state”, Onwo said.
As the lawmakers continue to pour out tributes and various encounter with their departed colleague, there was hardly any of them who didn’t shed a tear. Of note was the member representing Warri South Constituency II, Hon. Matthew Poko Opuoru who wept uncontrollably while presenting his tribute.
Born on July 1, 1967, Ogba become prominent in Isoko and environs for his generosity and his intimidation gigantic statue. An alumnus of the Delta State Polytechnic Oghara, Presido or The Moving Train as he was fondly called by his friends and admirers was until his death the Chairman House Committee on Power and Energy. He will be remembered as the Supervisory Councilor who effortlessly defeated a sitting House member in one of the most keenly contested election in Isoko history.
