Tribute
By Iyobosa Uwugiaren
ALTHOUGH his journey in this world was very fruitful by all standards, but it is with an amazingly heavy heart that we announce the passing of our father, Uwugiaren Enabulele, the Odionwere of Idunwem-Egbo, Urhonigbe in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State.
Popularly known as Okhirihiri, he passed away in Benin City on Monday, February 26, 2024 at 4: 30pm – after a brief illness. He was 102.
In times like these, words fall short. To be sure, I have gazed at my keyboard for some hours now, but I just can’t appear to be able to put a sentence together that pays appropriate tribute to my father.
How do I start? Where do I even start? No arrangement of words could ever do fairness to the thoughtful impact he had on his children, his community – Urhonigbe Town, and the lives of those around him.
My father was very courageous, frank, honest, and an unquestionably noble man, who always put his family and friends first and himself second.
He gave everything and worked hard so his children could enjoy the life he never had. His father, Enabulele, died when he was just three months old in her mother’s womb.
An incredibly enigmatic and highly respected community leader/mentor, my father was a man of his word, who led by example and action.
He was a man with a sturdy moral remit, who stood his ground and never backed down in the face of danger. Indeed, my father was a man of principle and integrity. A true role-model for anyone in a position of community leadership.
We, his children, have not only lost a father, we have lost our best friend and role model. And nothing will ever fill the enormous void he has left behind. All we can do now is work very hard to make the great leader proud. We couldn’t be more proud to be his children.
Borrowing a great writer, Adrienne C. Moore’s words, “The loss of my father will always sting. But now, everything that I do is in honor of him and celebrates his life.”
Rest in peace, Pa Okhirihiri. You were the best father, husband, brother, uncle, and friend, anyone could ever ask for. You will be missed beyond belief, by so many
1st March, 2024.
C.E.
Tags: Uwugiaren Enabulele
