Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima (2nd left), accompanied by Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori (left); Chairman of UBA Group and Founder/Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Mr. Tony Elumelu (2nd right); and his wife, Dr. Awele Elumelu (right), during the burial ceremony of Mr. Tony Elumelu’s father-in-law, the late Sir Israel Chinwuba Ogbue, held at Onicha-Olona, Aniocha North Local Government Area, on Saturday. Photo: Bripin Enarusai
Vice President Kashim Shettima (middle), Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori (2nd right); Chairman, UBA Group and Founder/Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Mr. Tony Elumelu (3rd right); and some traditional rulers, during the burial ceremony of Mr. Tony Elumelu’s father-in-law, the late Sir Israel Chinwuba Ogbue, held at Onicha-Olona, Aniocha North Local Government Area, on Saturday.
Photo: Bripin Enarusai
From our Bureau Chief, Asaba
Dignitaries from across Nigeria gathered in Onicha-Olona, Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, as Chairman of United Bank for Africa, UBA, Tony Elumelu laid his late father-in-law, Pa. Israel Chinwuba Ogbue to rest.
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Among those in attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Senator Ned Nwoko, alongside members of the National and State Assemblies, federal ministers, commissioners, captains of industry, and other prominent Nigerians.
Speaking at a reception held after the burial service, Vice President Shettima extended his condolences to the Ogbue family and the Delta State Government, describing the passing of Pa. Ogbue as a “glorious exit.”
He noted that the deceased lived a fulfilled life, distinguished by contributions to both the public and private sectors.
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The Vice President further highlighted the enduring legacy of the late patriarch through his children, particularly his first daughter, Dr. Awele Elumelu, and her husband, Tony Elumelu, whom he described as accomplished individuals reflecting the values instilled by their father.
He added that although the death of the 99-year-old was deeply felt, it should also be seen as a call to eternal glory, urging the family to immortalise him by upholding the virtues and principles that defined his long and impactful life.
The burial service took place at Saint Peter’s Anglican Church, Onicha-Olona, where the Bishop of Asaba Diocese, Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Kingsley Obuh, delivered a sermon titled: ‘From Earthly Tent to Eternal Home.’
He emphasised that the best way to depart from the world is to die in Christ, noting that Pa. Ogbue devoted his years to the service of God and humanity.
Bishop Obuh urged the congregation to embrace a life of faith, stressing that a Christ-centred life remains the sure path to eternal rest.
In separate interviews, Dr. Awele Elumelu, her husband, Tony Elumelu, as well as other children and grandchildren of the deceased, described Pa. Ogbue as a pillar of strength and a remarkable figure whose influence extended beyond the family to the corporate world and society at large. They pledged to preserve and build upon his legacy.
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