Shettima extols Elumelu's father-in-law's enduring legacy at funeral
…conveys Tinubu’s condolences, says values live on through children Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima on Saturday paid glowing tribute to the late Sir Israel Chinwuba Ogbue, father-in-law of Chairman of
...conveys Tinubu’s condolences, says values live on through children
Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima on Saturday paid glowing tribute to the late Sir Israel Chinwuba Ogbue, father-in-law of Chairman of Heirs Holdings and UBA Group, Chief Tony Elumelu, describing him as a man whose enduring values are evident in the lives of his children.
Shettima spoke when he led a Federal Government delegation to the funeral ceremony of the late patriarch in Onicha-Olona, Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, where he also conveyed the condolences of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the bereaved family, as well as the government and people of the state.
In a statement issued by the senior special assistant to the President on media and communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said, “On behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I extend our condolences and our respect to the family, the people of Onicha-Olona, and the government and people of Delta State. We honour the life he lived and the example he set.”
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Reflecting on the life of the deceased, Shettima noted that Pa Ogbue, who passed away peacefully on February 18, 2026, lived a life marked by resilience, gratitude, and grace, despite being the only surviving child of his parents.
According to him, such a circumstance speaks to a depth of strength that many may never fully comprehend, adding that the late elder’s ability to carry such a burden while living with dignity underscored his profound understanding of life.
The Vice President described the burial not merely as a moment of grief but a celebration of a life well spent, noting that Pa Ogbue’s legacy would continue to resonate across generations.
“At a moment like this, we can list achievements, we can recount titles, but what matters most is the life behind them. Pa Ogbue lived a life of meaning. He served, he guided, and he left things better than he met them,” he stated.
He added that while the family mourns, there is also cause to celebrate a legacy defined by purpose and impact.
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“And so, while we feel the weight of his passing, we must also recognise that this is a celebration — a celebration of a long life, well lived, and of a legacy that will endure through generations,” Shettima said.
Consoling Chief Elumelu, the Vice President recalled the businessman’s frequent reflections on the growth of the United Bank for Africa (UBA), noting that those familiar with the institution’s history would recognise the stabilising influence of Pa Ogbue at critical moments.
He said the deceased brought wisdom and calm leadership that ensured the bank’s growth remained guided by strong moral principles.
“He brought stability when it was needed and ensured that growth never lost its moral compass. This was a man who believed in balance. In a world that often chases excess, he chose moderation,” Shettima said.
He further noted that Pa Ogbue embodied values that emphasised guided ambition, inner peace, and contentment, describing such principles as the hallmarks of a life well lived.
The funeral ceremony drew dignitaries from within and outside Nigeria, reflecting the wide reach of the deceased’s influence and the respect he commanded during his lifetime.
During a condolence visit to the Elumelu family's country home, the Vice President was conferred with the traditional title of Odoziani 1 of Aniocha, meaning “the one who restores the glory of the land,” in recognition of his service, leadership, and contributions to national development, as well as his support for the progress of the Aniocha community.
Shettima was accompanied to the ceremony by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa; Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Maigari Ahmadu; a member of the House of Representatives, Usman Zannah; Bakari Kotoko; and businessman AYM Shafa, among others.
