Former Deputy President of the 9th Senate, Obarisi Ovie Omo-Agege, has expressed profound sorrow over the death of former Deputy Governor of Delta State, Benjamin Elue, describing him as a humble, loyal and dedicated elder statesman whose record in public service remains exemplary.
Elue, who died at the age of 85, served as the first Deputy Governor of Delta State in the Fourth Republic under James Ibori from 1999 to 2007.
Mr Sunny Areh, Media Adviser to Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, in a signed statement, while reacting to his passing, said Chief Elue personified dedicated leadership, loyalty and humility, noting that he set a standard for harmonious governance in the state.
“Chief Elue laid the template on how deputies should conduct their affairs to engender an atmosphere of stability and trust in the executive branch. He completely cued into the developmental agenda of his principal, Chief James Ibori. He earned the respect and honour of political and administrative leadership in Delta State. I can attest that Chief Elue was a principal factor in the success of that administration. It is a testament I am in a good position to give, having worked closely with him and the governor as Commissioner and later Secretary to the State Government (SSG) during their tenure,” Omo-Agege stated.
He lamented that the example set by Elue was not embraced by some succeeding deputy governors, resulting in strained relationships with their principals and distractions from effective governance.
“Unfortunately, Chief Elue's template was not adopted by latter-day deputy governors who end up having a fractious relationship with their principals. It is the prime reason actual governance is relegated in some states while the struggle for dominance defines some administrations,” he added.
Omo-Agege said the late statesman bequeathed a legacy of humility, trust, dedication and camaraderie between deputy governors and their principals, describing him as an elder statesman whose virtues and companionship would be greatly missed.
“Chief Elue has bequeathed a legacy of humility, trust, dedication and camaraderie between deputy governors and their principals. He was an elder statesman whose virtues and companionship will be sorely missed. My prayers and those of my family and political associates are with his family, especially his wife, Lady Esther Onyebuchi Elue. May God receive him in His Paradise,” he said.
Chief Elue was an educator, businessman, politician and community leader from Obior in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State.
