DELTA State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori; his Deputy, Monday Onyeme; former governors, James Ibori and Ifeanyi Okowa; former deputy senate president, Ovie Omo-Agege; senator representing Delta North, Ned Nwoko; Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor; were among dignitaries that paid last respect to a former deputy governor of the state, Benjamin Elue, on Thursday, April 16.
Speaking at the funeral service at All Saint Anglican Church in Obior, Aniocha North Local Council, Oborevwori, paid glowing tributes to Elue, describing the occasion as a blend of grief and gratitude, saying while the state has lost “a pillar of wisdom,” heaven has gained “a faithful servant.”
Speaking on the inevitability of death, he reminded the congregation that “there is a time for everything, a time to be born and a time to die,” stressing that the deceased fulfilled his purpose with honour and dignity.
The governor described the deceased as “a devoted Christian, humble servant of God and man of quiet strength whose life touched many,” recalling that as deputy governor, Elue served with loyalty and wisdom, laying “a solid foundation for the progress and stability we enjoy today,” while acting as a vital bridge between government and the people.
Quoting 2 Timothy 4:7, he said: “He fought a good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith,” believing that he now rests in the bosom of the Lord.
Oborevwori urged the bereaved family to embrace unity, as “true honour to the departed is not in words alone, but in love, harmony and togetherness,” cautioning against division.
He said life is transient and legacy is paramount, adding: “All we strive for today, one day we shall lay down; what will endure is how we lived and what we are remembered for.”
The governor expressed hope in the resurrection, describing death for believers as a transition to eternal rest, adding: “Farewell, Your Excellency. Go well; may your gentle soul rest in perfect peace, and may perpetual light shine upon you.”
Ibori, in his tribute, reflected on his long-standing relationship with Elue that began in 1998, describing him as “a calm, mature and peace-loving partner” who complemented his leadership.
Ibori said Elue never displayed resentment, but rather demonstrated unwavering loyalty, restraint and respect for both office and relationship, adding that true friendship is tested in adversity,” recalling how his late former deputy stood firmly by him during difficult times and maintained consistent communication even years after leaving office.
He expressed profound gratitude for such loyalty and pledged to preserve the values the deceased represented, adding: “As long as God grants me life, I will stand for harmony, not discord. Thank you for all you did; your legacy will endure.”
Earlier, in a sermon, titled, ‘Rest for a Weary Soul,’ the Bishop of Asaba Diocese, Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Kingsley Obuh, called for sobre reflection, reminding the congregation that life is fleeting and best examined in moments such as these.
Drawing from Jesus Christ’s invitation in Matthew 11:28, he stressed that true rest was found not in physical relief, but in spiritual surrender- rest from life’s burdens, struggles and inner battles.
On the life of the deceased, Obuh described Elue as a man of honour, a Knight of the church and a public servant who bore the weight of family, political, communal and personal responsibilities with dignity, affirming that for believers, death was not an end, but “divine rest in the presence of the Lord.”
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