Former Governor of the defunct Bendel State, Dr Samuel Ogbemudia, will be buried next Friday besides his mother’s grave at his Benin City residence.
Ogbemudia, who died of diabetes complications, last Thursday, prepared his final resting place five years ago.
Family sources said he wrote down details of how he would be buried and sent them to all his children.
It was gathered that Ogbemudia told his children that his body must not be kept in the morgue.
He also wrote that his body must not be displayed publicly and must be buried within seven days of his death.
Decision to bury him, according to his wish, was reached after Governor Godwin Obaseki met with some family members to discuss burial details as well as pay condolence visit.
Obaseki was received by wife of late Dr Ogbemudia, Clara and eldest son Samuel Ogbemudia (Jnr).
They informed the governor that the family had planned to kick-start burial activities ahead of the burial.
The governor advised the family to respect the wishes of late Ogbemudia and urged the family to begin preparations immediately.
He told the family that their father would be given a state burial hinting Delta State has already indicated interest to participate.
The governor directed his Chief of Staff, Mr. Taiwo Akerele, to set up a committee for the burial.
Speaking to newsmen after the meeting, Governor Obaseki described him as a hero of Edo and Delta state.
His words, “He is a father of modern Edo. He represents everything we have today. The infrastructures we have today in Edo and Delta are attributed to him.
“We grew up to know him as our leader, our hero and our Governor. As a student at Eghosa Grammer School, he will come and wake us up and lead us in morning exercise. I could not have gotten through the electioneering without his support. He adopted me.
“In my first meeting with him, he gave me a pack of notebook and asked me to take notes as I go round.
“He was always supportive. My project was his project. He was like my father. Nobody has served this state like him, it is going to be a state burial.
“We are working with the family and we will work things out.”
(The Nation)
