The Governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa and the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Sheriff Oborevwori, have condoled with the Tuoyo family and Itsekiris on the passing of Brigadier General Sunny Tuoyo (retd.), father-in-law to former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta.
The late Tuoyo, who died in Lagos on Saturday at 84, was the Military Administrator of old Ondo State between 1978 and 1979 and handed over to late Chief Michael Ajasin as first civilian governor of the state.
Governor Okowa, in a statement issued in Asaba by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, particularly condoled with the children of the deceased, including his daughter, Mrs Roli Uduaghan and her husband, the former governor over the unfortunate demise of the former military administrator.
Okowa stated that Tuoyo’s death was a loss to the family, the Itsekiri race and Nigerians, especially for his contributions to nation-building through his military career and as an administrator.
He however urged the family to be consoled by the legacies of integrity and life’s values that the deceased bequeathed to the children.
Okowa assured the family of the support and prayers from his family, Delta government and people of the state at this period.
The statement read partly, “It is with sadness that I, my family, the government and people of Delta commiserate with the Tuoyo family and the entire Itsekiri nation on the passing away of the retired military officer, Brig.-Gen. Esijolomi Tuoyo (retd).
“He was a great leader whose contributions to the military helped to secure the nation’s territorial integrity and unity in Nigeria.
“His death is, no doubt, a great loss not just to his family and the Itsekiri nation but to our state and country. His contributions to sustainable democracy and support to governance will be missed.
“I recall how he handed over the reigns of power to the late Chief Michael Ajasin as first elected Governor of old Ondo State while serving as military administrator of the state.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, the Itsekiri people and the military. May his soul repose peacefully and the family given the fortitude to bear his demise.”
Oborevwori while commiserating with the immediate past governor of the state, expressed sadness over the death of the former military administrator, saying however that he lived a worthy life.
In a press statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Dennis Otu, the Delta State Speaker described Tuoyo as a disciplinarian and a God-fearing person, submitting that his death was a big blow not only to his immediate family and the people of Delta State and to the entire nation.
According to the Speaker, the late Tuoyo served his fatherland dedicatedly, while his contributions to the people and the nation could not be over-emphasised.
“I wish to commiserate with the immediate past governor of the state, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan on the demise of his beloved father-in-law. He died at a time when his wealth of experience was most needed. He was a patriotic man who wanted nothing but the best for his fellow Nigerians and his country. We are solely going to miss this great man who raised up his children with the fear of God,” he said.
The speaker added that, “History is going to be very kind to him by the time the story of his dear country is going to be written because he served his fatherland meritoriously.
“My prayers and thoughts are with his family, our immediate past governor, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, his wife, Her Excellency, Deconess (Mrs) Roli Uduaghan and others he left behind. You are not alone in this moment of grief. May his gentle soul find repose in the bosom of our Lord and grant those he left behind the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” he stated.
