Members of Egba Development Organisation, Lagos and Benin chapters on Sunday, 25th of November 2018 paid condolence visit to the family of late Dr. Iyayi Efianayi in Benin City.
Late Iyayi passed-away on Thursday, October 11, 2018 in France while in transit from the United States of America where he went for medical checkup.
He was an indigene of Egba in Uhunmwonde local government area of Edo state and grand patron of the Egba Development Organisation.
During the visit, the Vice-President of the organization Mr. Julius Onaghise paid glowing tribute to late Dr. Iyayi, describing him as a father to all Egbas, benefactor to many, cheerful, humble and very God fearing.
According to him, Iyayi’s good works and contributions towards the development of Egba land and Edo state in general will never be forgotten.
In his words: “the passage of Dr. Iyayi Efianayi is a loss to the family, a loss to Egba community and a loss to humanity; he was a genius with positive characteristics that distinctively singled him out among his peer. He led a life of selfless service to his immediate community, Egba, Benin Kingdom, Edo state, Nigeria and the world at large”.
As a human capital builder, he brought many Egba indigenes to societal competition; as an infrastructural provider, he single-handedly provided infrastructure that the government could not provide for rural communities for Egba community. Infrastructures such as good roads, educational institution, health facilities, electricity, security, economic empowerment amongst others.
He was a tree of unity personified whose death will remain a monumental loss to humanity and Egba community, but we are consoled with the fact that he led a fulfilled life”, he said.
Also, presenting a condolence letter on behalf of Lagos branch of Egba Development Organisation, Mr. Charles Igbinidu prayed for the repose of the soul of the late Iyayi and that God should comfort members of his immediate family.
In his response, Dr. Caesar Osaheni-Iyayi, the eldest child of Dr. Iyayi Efianayi, said that the most important thing is that his father was able to sow a seed of unity which is now being nurtured by all.
“I believe Egba is going to be stronger and we are going to uplift our father’s deeds”
Prominent Egba indigenes at the occasion include, Mr. Abel Omoruyi, Chairman of Iyare Motors, Mr. Monday Osayande, President Egba Development Organisation and Chairman Ameosa Motors, Engineer Collins Idemudia, Mr. Jolly Osayande, Vice Chairman, Uhunmwonde Local Government Area, Mr. Smart Onaghise and many others.
It would be recalled that the Governor of Edo state, His Excellency Mr. Godwin Obaseki, the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Sir Dr. Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, former Governor and immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, Senator Mathew Urhoghide, the senator representing Edo south senatorial district and other dignitaries have paid their condolence visits to the deceased’s family.
Speaking during his visit, the Edo state governor, Godwin Obaseki noted that Dr. Iyayi led a humble and great life that is worthy of emulation.
According to him, he was a trailblazer on so many fronts; in business, philanthropy and community service, created jobs for thousands of Edo people and residents and supported the church and the less-privileged in several ways.
“Late Iyayi will be greatly missed, his passing is a great loss to the state and our great country.” He said.
Also, the Esama of Benin kingdom who was overwhelmed with emotion stated that, he was consoled by the fact that his late friend and brother Dr. Iyayi Efianayi left a good successor that will uphold his legacies.
He commended Dr. Caesar Osaheni-Iyayi for the manner in which he has conducted affairs since his father’s demise and prayed that God grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss.
“I missed a brother, I am empty.” He said.
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