Buhari, Jonathan, Obaseki, Okowa, Dickson, others grace Anenih’s Funeral Mass in Uromi

 

President Muhammadu Buhari, former President, Goodluck Jonathan, Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and a long-list of the who-is-who in Nigeria’s political and business communities on Saturday graced the funeral mass in honour of late elder statesman, Chief Anthony Anenih.

The dignitaries, including Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa and his Bayelsa State counterpart,  Seriake Dickson, Minister of State for Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, who represented President Buhari, converged at the St. Anthony Catholic Cathedral, Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area to pay their last respect to late Chief Anenih.

The mass was part of the state burial organised for Chief Anenih, the Iyasele of Esan land, in recognition of his contributions to the development of Edo State and Nigeria.

In his homily, the Bishop of the Diocese of Uromi, Most Rev. Dr Donatus Ogun, said human life was a journey and should be lived in service to humanity and with consciousness of the existence of the supreme being.

The Bishop said late Anenih was an exceptionally generous person, who believed in giving opportunities to others to achieve their dreams and was a man of integrity, who stood and lived by his words, a virtue which made him to excel in his political career.

“He believed that every situation could be solved and he helped to give solution to every problem brought to him,” the Bishop said.

In his votes of thanks, the first son of the deceased, Anthony Anenih Jnr., described his late father as a national leader, a statesman and a caring father to many.

“He was a beloved pillar in our community; from Uromi to Benin and through out Edo. He was our protector, umbrella and educator.

He said his father believed in caring for the elderly, which made him set up a Geriatric Centre at the University College Hospital, Ibadan.

Other dignitaries at the event include National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and Alhaji Aliko Dangote, among others.

Earlier on Friday, President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State have extolled the leadership qualities of late Chief Anthony Akhakon Anenih, eulogising him as an illustrious son of Nigeria and a politician of uncommon calibre.

Buhari, who was represented by the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, said this during a requiem mass held as part of the state burial in honour of Late Chief Anenih, at the University of Benin Sports Complex, in Benin City, Edo State capital.

The president said that Anenih lived a great life of service, and became a bridge builder across the political divide.

He said, “Anenih is a patriotic Nigerian, who has an unequal commitment to the Nigerian project. He is a man that believes in the growth and development of the nation.

In his tribute, Governor Obaseki said Chief Anenih was a rare-breed politician, who was “famed for his political wizardry, an uncommon gift to weather stormy waters and masterfully deliver results from the most difficult situations.”

“I stand here today on behalf of the Government and People of Edo State to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of a quintessential, rare-breed politician, philanthropist, a leader of leaders, statesman, an illustrious son of Edo and our father, Chief Anthony Akhakon Anenih,” Obaseki said.

He added, “I commiserate with the great Anenih family of Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area, the National and State leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the good people of Edo State on the passing of our great icon.

Noting that the elder statesman devoted a better part of his life to the development of the state and the country, he said late Chief Anenih contributed to national development in the various capacities he served while he lived.

“The whole of Edo State has suffered a huge loss with the death of Chief Anenih, the Iyasele of Esan land, who ranks as one of the most illustrious sons of the state,” he added.

Former Governor of Edo State, Chief Lucky Igbinedion said Anenih created a vast political family, adding that he was a great builder, who created a platform for unity and friendship across the political divide.

Former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, said Anenih was a great mentor, adding, “he was a great adviser and a pillar of support for the downtrodden.

Chief Tony Anenih, the Iyase of Esan land who died at a private hospital in Abuja after a brief illness, was laid to his final resting place in his hometown, Arue – Uromia in Esan North East Local Government of Edo State.

Dressed in full Esan traditional regalia, (Igbulu-ododo), the chief mourner, Mr. Tony Anenih Jr., evening performed the traditional “ashes to ashes” and “dust to dust” rites as he finally laid his dad, Chief Tony Anenih to rest in Arue, Uromi, with the support of the rest of his siblings, wives, grandchildren and other members of the Anenih dynasty.

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