Shettima, Oborevwori, others pay tributes to Elumelu’s father-in-law at burial

Dignitaries from across Nigeria on Saturday converged on Onicha-Olona in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State to bid a final farewell to Pa Israel Chinwuba Ogbue, father-in-law of Tony Elumelu, Chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA).

The burial ceremony drew a high-profile gathering of political leaders, business figures, and community stakeholders, reflecting the late patriarch’s wide-reaching influence.

Pa Ogbue, survived by a wife, children, and grandchildren, was the Chairman of UBA between 2011 and 2013 before his retirement.

He died at the age of 99.

A revered boardroom statesman and distinguished administrator, the late Ogbue devoted over six decades of his life to service in Nigeria’s public and private sectors, leaving behind an enduring legacy of integrity, discipline and institutional excellence.

Born on February 18, 1927, in Onicha-Olona, Delta State, Chief Ogbue’s professional journey began in the Federal Civil Service before he travelled to the United Kingdom for further studies, returned thereafter to contribute his quota in the private sector and community services.

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Among the dignitaries who came to pay their last respects to the late Ogbue were Vice President Kashim Shettima, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and Senator Ned Nwoko, alongside lawmakers, ministers, traditional rulers, and prominent figures from Nigeria’s corporate sector.

Speaking during a reception after the burial service, Vice President Shettima described Pa Ogbue’s passing at the age of 99 as a “glorious exit”.

The Vice President noted that the late banker lived a life marked by purpose, dignity, and service.

He emphasised that the deceased’s legacy is evident in the accomplishments and character of his children, particularly his daughter, Awele Elumelu, and her husband, Tony Elumelu.

Shettima urged the family to honour the memory of the late nonagenarian by preserving the values he stood for, describing his transition as a call to eternal glory rather than a moment of despair.

The funeral service was held at Saint Peter’s Anglican Church, Onicha-Olona, where the Bishop of Asaba Diocese, Anglican Communion, Kingsley Obuh, delivered a sermon titled: “From Earthly Tent to Eternal Home.”

The cleric reminded mourners of the importance of living a Christ-centred life, stressing that faith remains the surest path to eternal rest.

He also paid tribute to Pa Ogbue’s devotion to God and humanity throughout his lifetime.

Family members, including children and grandchildren, described the late patriarch as a pillar of strength, wisdom, and integrity.

They highlighted his influence not only within the family but also across business and community circles, pledging to uphold and extend the legacy he left behind.

In a chat with one of the deceased sons, Ebele Ogbue, a seasoned banker and management staffer of UBA, he said his father lived a long, remarkable and accomplished life.

Ebele stated: “Our father left a good legacy and etched his footprints on the sand of time.

“No matter how old one’s father is, one still misses him. However, we are confident that he has gone to a good place and we will continue to follow in his steps and do our best to immortalise him.

“We would also ensure that we make him proud as well as move on and accomplish the things he has left undone.”

He also said his late father greatly loved his people and community and made great impact in Nigeria, his state and his community

Ebele added: “He truly was a great man and we are proud to have called him father. He was a selfless man, a man of integrity, a disciplined man and above all he had the fear of God.

“To those he touched their lives while he was alive, I advise them to continue to have the fear of God, be dedicated to what they do and ensure they make the best out of life.”

The event combined solemn reflection with celebration, as tributes, prayers, and cultural displays underscored a life well lived and deeply impactful.