The mother of the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, Madam Esther Idahosa has been laid to rest in Benin City, Edo State on Saturday following her passing last month at the age of 95.
The carnival-like funeral ceremony caused heavy traffic across the city due to the influx of guests who attended the burial.
Mourners accompanied her casket in a procession through major streets in Benin City to her residence where she was laid in state before final interment.
The large attendance of political leaders and associates resulted in heavy traffic along Airport Road and adjoining roads within the metropolis.
The Forum of Deputy Governors of Nigeria sent representatives to the burial ceremony, including the Deputy Governor of Benue State, Sam Ode; Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; and Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Dr Peter Akpe.
Other dignitaries at the ceremony included Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, who was represented by the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Blessing Agbebaku; former Edo State Governor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole; former Deputy Governor of the state, Hon. Pius Odubu; Senator Matthew Uroghide; Edo State Chairman of the APC, Jarrett Tenebe; members of the party’s State Working Committee, among others.
Speaking on behalf of the deputy governors, Senator Eyakenyi described the late Madam Idahosa as a virtuous woman whose legacy is reflected in the success of her children.
“We came here to celebrate with our own, our brother. We have a large family of Deputy Governors across Nigeria. We are one family, we acknowledge each other.
“A woman who gave birth to her children, trained them very well and one of them is standing tall today as the deputy governor of this state, which shows how great such a woman was.
“We stand to salute you especially for putting this great send forth for your mother,”
In an emotional tribute, the Edo State Deputy Governor, Hon Dennis Idahosa recalled how his mother single-handedly raised six children after the death of his father in 1986.
He said his mother remained strong and resilient despite the hardships she faced.
“You understood that six children looked up to you when my father died in 1986 and I was just six years old.
“You did not break, you did not run, but stood and became father and mother in one body.
“You toiled day and night with six children waiting at home. You walked through pains and expectations with me never forgetting your melodious voice as you sang all the time, your song became my shelter. Your prayers at dawn became the roof over our heads. You were my pillar, Iye.
“When the world said ‘impossible,’ you whispered, ‘ Trust in God my son. These few days you are gone have been really hurting, you taught me dignity without saying a word. I watched you refuse to beg, refuse to bow, refuse to let poverty define us.
“You told us: work hard, fear God, help people and wonderful things will happen. Iye, wonderful things did happen, because you happened to us first.
“Now that you are gone at the remarkable age of 95, my heart is heavy, but it is also full. Full of gratitude that God lent you to us. Full of pride that I called you Mother. Full of memories of your laughter, your scolding, your endless intercessions for my siblings and me.
“You were a pillar of unity and love. Your words still resonate clearly, ‘Denco, remember where you came from. Mother, you were an inspiration to us, we all miss your morning prayers.”
