By Joseph Edegbo
It is with a heavy and grieving heart that I write this Tribute in memory of a colossus and an icon of hope for the Igala nation and land.
Apart from being an alumnus of Okene Secondary school which he served as the patron of its Old Boys Association, I came closer to Arc. (Chief) Gabriel Yakubu Aduku through my professional calling, journalism.
Within the last 40 years or thereabout, I was Chief Aduku’s Media anchor in Kaduna, through whom he related with my professional colleagues.
Our last conversation with Arc. G. Y.Aduku, was few hours to his 80th Birthday in the US, when I and Dr. Linus Akor fed him back on the final copy of the birthday advertorial for his endorsement before publication.
Little did I know that a mighty iroko was about to fall to cause unease in the forest.
Chief Aduku and Wife, Lydia cutting the Birthday cake
On a larger scope, late Arc. (Chief) Gabriel Yakubu Aduku was passionate about the unity, progress and development of Igala kingdom.
He was deeply saddened by the divisions within the land and was working hard to overcome them before his sad and tragic death.
An epitome of peace, Chief Aduku was the architect of among others, the relative peace enjoyed in Kogi East during the Nov. 2023 Gubernatorial election when the Igala nation spoke with one voice, a scenario described by all, as the greatest legacy of the late elder Statesman.
His uncommon humility and unusual simplicity laced with sincerity of purpose, singled him out as a leader like no other, who had his doors widely open to all Igala sons and daughters, irrespective of which part of Kogi East one comes from.
One thing that is crystal clear, is that late Chief Aduku was on a mission to make Igala Kingdom great again, through his commitment to peace, unity and progress.
His tragic passing, therefore poses a great challenge to our leaders of thought who would want to step into his big shoes.
May the Almighty God give the immediate family, His Royal Majesty, Atta Igala and all of us, the strength of mind and heart to bear the great loss.
Elder Joseph Edegbo, JP is the Managing Editor of AFRICA PRIME NEWS
