By Patrick Ochei
The history of Asaba, the capital city of Delta State, Nigeria cannot be complete without a mention of Chief Patrick Isioma Goodluck Onyeobi, the Iyase of Asaba and Diokpa Idumuojei Quarters who was crowned an Obi before his final stay on earth. He begins his final journey home from tomorrow, Friday the 14th day of June, 2024, with an Interdenominational Farewell Service culminating in his celebration of life and tributes; and Saturday the 15th day of June, 2024, with the Egwu Ota while other traditional rites continue afterwards.
The celebration of life of Obi Onyeobi will take place at the South-End Event Centre, DBS Road, Asaba from 10am while the Egwu Ota will take place at the Idumuojei Quarters, Umuezei, Asaba from 11am.
Obi Onyeobi though left this planet at a ripe old age of 91 years, his absence will greatly be felt.
Being described as a timeless legend is not a word usage for the fun of it, he merited that recognition, being the architect of modern Asaba.
As the then Secretary to the Government of Bendel State and Head of Service (HOS) of same Government, he impacted lives in numerous ways through his well coordinated administrative acumen and leadership savvy. His futuristic postures and ability to conceptualize long term ideas whose end results were evidence based, gave him the impetus to create a modern Asaba with a masterplan that if properly executed by government today, Asaba will be in the league of Dubai and other well planned cities of the world.
An honest, transparent and accountable man he was; he also embodied the rare latitude of breeding integrity proof future leaders. He made men, and even in his old age, he was still making men through his contacts and influential personality.
Obi Onyeobi will be remembered for many things, but particularly, as a lover of culture and community development. He fought so hard to see Asaba, his place of birth developed into a proper capital city that he dreamt of years after his tour of duty as SSG and HOS.
Goodbye to one of Nigeria’s finest in terms of procedural administration. Adieu Diokpa Idumuojei and Iyase of Asaba, Obi Patrick Isioma Goodluck Onyeobi.
Rest in perfect peace!
