Idahosa

Jethro Ibileke/Benin

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Edo State chapter, Mr. Denis Idahosa, has charged aging politicians to train young people to enable them take up the mantle of leadership, in order to ensure continuity of democracy.

Idahosa made the call on Sunday, when he led hundreds of the party members on a condolence visit to the family of late Pa David Ogbomo, who passed on recently at the age of 96, a leader of the APC in Ovia South-West local government area of the State.

Idahosa while condoling with the family members, said he had to cut short his stay abroad to pay respect to the deceased who had led members of the party at their local government area for several years.

“Pa Ogbomo was a rare gem who lived his life for the development of his people, especially the youths. He mentored us in the art of politicking. He was a man who believed that the youths are the leaders of tomorrow.

“He was selfless, kind and generous and he believed in bringing up the youths to take up responsibility at the appropriate time.

“We are going to miss him as a great politician who contributed​ immensely to the growth and development of Ovia South-West local government area.

“He was a man of integrity and highly principled. We urge all politicians to emulate Pa Ogbomo, let their yes be yes and their no be no, for the interest of the people, so that they can build on the foundation already laid by Pa Ogbomo,” Idahosa said.

Eldest son of the deceased, Sir Osaru Ogbomo, said his late father was a man known for honesty, integrity and a no-nonsense man who appreciated God and respected​ everyone.

He said his father “left a legacy worthy of emulation by all politicians, because he put the interest of others ahead of his own, irrespective of political affiliation.”

Meanwhile, a 24-hour mourning period was declared by the leadership and members​ of the party in Ovia South-West, during which all political activities will be out on hold in honor of their late political leader.

The Siluko Road-residence of the deceased has become a Mecca of sort, as hundreds of his friends, political affiliates and followings to condole with the family on their loss.