Cross River State Governor, Sen. Prince Bassey Otu, was in Alifokpa Yache in Yala Local Government Area, weekend, to commiserate with Senator Stephen Odey and family on the burial of their patriarch, late Pa Michael Odey Mboh, who died at the age of 102.
The well-attended event saw the enlarged political class, traditional rulers as well as friends of Senator Odey from within and outside the state in attendance.
In his condolence message, Governor Otu, who described the deceased as a good man, noted that the people he touched by his generosity will greatly miss him, maintaining that his commitment to the growth and development of his community remains indelible.
On her part, wife of the Governor, Rev (Mrs) Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, said Pa Odey will be remembered for his dedication, great sense of mission and dignity as Village Head which accorded him the status as a prominent peacemaker in the area.
The Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, noted that Pa Mboh’s longevity was truly a call for celebration, as his 102 years on earth was a reflection of God’s endorsement in line with the Holy Book in Proverbs 16: 13 which says, “gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.”
For the immediate past governor of the state, Prof. Ben Ayade, he urged the family to be consoled by the fact that their father left behind values of honesty and integrity and was a well-respected personality who preached peace and unity in his community.
A biography of the deceased read by one of the family members, Engr. Daniel Ogbudu, described late Pa Mboh who was born in 1927 as a jolly good fellow who can easily win peoples heart and admiration with his lines of reasoning each time he reels out his thoughts in soft, melodious and sonorous voice. Pa Mboh was laid to rest in his country home, Imana, Achuora Uche, Yache in Yala Local Government Area, after a carnival-like funeral and memorial service, conducted by Mater Ecclesiae Parish of the Catholic Church, Alifokpa, Yache and moderated by Rev. Fr. Ogwu Denis Ejilekpang.