The 13th Asagba of Asaba in Delta State, His Royal Majesty, Prof. Joseph Chike Edozien, CFR, JP, has passed away at the age of 98.
The monarch, born on July 28, 1925, left this world just a few months shy of his 99th birthday.
Before ascending to the throne, Edozien had a distinguished career as a lecturer in both UK and Nigerian universities. He achieved the rank of professor of medicine during his academic tenure.
In an official statement on Thursday, Ajuri Ngelale, presidential spokesperson, conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s condolences to the family of the late monarch and the Delta State traditional rulers’ council.
President Tinubu acknowledged and celebrated the impactful life and legacies of the late king, especially “his advocacy for peaceful co-existence among Nigerians and inimitable role in forging partnerships across divides”
Tinubu urged the royal family to find solace in the enduring legacies left behind by the monarch, emphasizing that His Majesty lived a life exemplifying the highest ideals of peace, unity, patriotism, honesty, and dignity.
“His Majesty lived a full life defined by the loftiest ideals of peace, unity, patriotism, honesty, and dignity,” Tinubu said.
“This is a sad loss, coming at a time when Nigeria needs more peace-builders and bridge-builders.”
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has also mourned the death of Cairo Ojougboh an APC chieftain, who died while watching the semi-finals clash between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Bafana Bafana of South Africa.
