Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, has described the late former Deputy Governor of the state, Chief Benjamin Elue, as a humble and peace-loving leader whose integrity and years of service left an enduring imprint on Delta State.
Chief Elue died on Saturday at the age of 85. The governor, visibly moved, paid a condolence visit to the family’s country home in Obior, Aniocha North, where he met with the widow, Lady Esther Elue, children, and other family members.
Oborevwori said the news of the former deputy governor’s passing came as a rude shock, recalling that Elue had only recently indicated his readiness to attend an official engagement.
“His demise came to us as a rude shock. Only recently, he had indicated his availability to attend an official meeting, and we were all looking forward to his presence,” the governor said.
He extolled the virtues of the late statesman, noting that Elue served Delta State with honour, dedication, and integrity, and lived a life defined more by impact than by material accumulation.
“Chief Elue was a humble man and a great leader who served this state with honour, dedication, and integrity. It is not the number of years one lives that matters, but the impact one makes and the legacy one leaves behind,” Oborevwori stated.
According to the governor, the former deputy governor related peacefully with his people and was widely admired for his simplicity and accessibility.
“He lived peacefully among his people and related with everyone with simplicity and grace. He was not the kind of leader who distanced himself from others or made life difficult for those around him,” he added.
Oborevwori assured the family of the continued support of the Delta State Government, describing the loss as one that transcends the immediate family.
“The pain is deep, not only for the family, but for the entire state. As painful as this loss is, we take solace in the fact that he passed on peacefully.
“This is a great loss, not just to the Elue family, but to the people of Aniocha North and to Delta State as a whole. We will remember him for his service, his humility, and his peaceful life. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, and we stand firmly with you in this moment of profound grief,” he said.
In the condolence register, the governor wrote that Delta State was saddened by the passing of “His Excellency, Diokpa BSC Elue,” noting that he served with honour and integrity and praying for comfort for the bereaved family.
Responding on behalf of the family, Mr. Paul Oseji expressed gratitude to the governor, the Delta State Government, the people of Aniocha North, and sympathisers across the state for their overwhelming show of solidarity.
“This house has truly become a Mecca of a sort since Saturday. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has visited, called, prayed for us, and paid condolence visits. Your presence and kind words have strengthened us immensely,” he said, while appealing for continued prayers for the family.
Chief Benjamin Elue served as Deputy Governor of Delta State from 1999 to 2007 during the administration of James Onanefe Ibori and is remembered as a distinguished statesman whose public service was marked by humility, steadfast commitment, and devotion to peace.