- Safiu Kehinde
Former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, has lost one of his grassroots allies Ekechukwu Udoka, popularly known as Orobo Aregbe.
Aregbesola announced this in a post on his Facebook page on Thursday.
The ex-Minister of Interior mourned the demise of Udoka whom he described as his political son and a model of loyalty.
He recounted how he was informed about the critical health condition of the late Udoka following his admission to the hospital of Aregbesola’s personal physician last week.
“It was at 0942 hrs on Monday, January 20, 2025 that my personal physician called to inform me that Orobo Aregbe; my political son, had been brought to his hospital in a very bad state by his relatives.
“He said he had been put into the Intensive Care Unit of the facility with the best medical team assembled to attend to him.
“He was brought in unconscious with flooded lungs and very low oxygen level. He assured me that the best possible attention would be given to him.
“I was shaken but hopeful of a favorable outcome.
“When the doctor called back to inform me of the challenge his team of first class medical practitioners to revive him at 1304 hrs had, I refused to accept his conclusion or imagine the possible worst.
“I requested to talk to another doctor whom I earnestly pleaded with to continue to do all that was possible to save the life of arguably one of the best human beings I have ever known.” Aregbesola wrote.
The ex-Osun governor lauded Udoka for his trust, loyalty, commitment, and his huge influence on the Igbo political circle in Lagos.
“Anselem was a GEM. As a human being he was just fantastic, as a politician; OROBO AREGBE was extraordinary in his trust, loyalty, commitment and dedication.
“He was electrifying in mobilization, tireless in electoral work, ebullient in his disposition, guileless in his works and joyful at all times.
“He was the epitome of loyalty, dedication and commitment to the progressive cause, his friends and me personally.
“His sterling life will continue to inspire many to worthy causes and the best human virtues.
“A bundle of energy, he wielded a huge influence in the Igbo progressive political circles in Lagos. Without despairing of God’s mercy, ECHEKWU ANSELEM UDOKA (Orobo Aregbe) is almost irreplaceable.
“It is painful to lose an amazing brother, partner and confidant like _Orobo_ . Words are not sufficient to express our grief at the sudden translation of an invaluable partner.” He wrote.
While expressing his condolences to his family and the Igbo Mandate Group, Aregbesola urged them to accept Udoka’s demise as a will of God.
“All deaths are disturbing, the sudden transition of ANSELEM is quite distressing. I feel diminished and totally gutted.
“Nevertheless, in total submission to the will of God, we accept the painful home call of a darling ally.
“We look to God for support at this moment.
To the family, I pray for comfort and fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
“The solace for the family is the effective, impactful and honourable life ECHEKWU ANSELEM UDOKA lived which endeared him to all and sundry. God will continually uphold his family spiritually and physically.
“To Igbo Mandate Group, accept my deepest condolences on the death of Orobo, a dynamic leader amongst you. I pray for the emergence of a worthy successor from among you.
“The elements were so well mixed in ECHEKWU ANSELEM UDOKA that nature could proudly testify that he was a consumate leader of people.
“I pray that he wakes up to joyful activities on the other side. Aamin.” Aregbesola added.