To a man of honour, a most benevolent man, a selfless man, a true patriot, the last of a great generation.

Uncle, Papa Benin, you were father to your children and hundreds more, including me. You led an exemplary life in hard work, patriotism, selfless service and left your mark in the sands of time.

Many are pained by the news of your passing. I, am pained by the news of your passing. It is even more painful particularly as you left us just a few weeks after the death of my mother, Cecilia Oyakhilome (nee Borha, or “Osisi” as you fondly called her), your dear younger sister. I pray that you two rest in peace with the Lord.

Growing up around you, I put you on a very high pedestal of honour and respect, and you remained there forever. You never did anything to lower my high esteem of you. I shall forever remember you as a remarkable and extraordinary Nigerian.

My uncle. My hero.
A good man. A kind man. A gentleman. A thoughtful man. A great Nigerian.

May God rest your soul sir. Amen.

Agatha Uwkenya

AMIGO! AMIGO!! AMIGO!!!

We retain evergreen memories of the calmness and serene smile that always came on your face each time we addressed you by that ‘golden’ word, A-m-i-g-o. That verbum antiquum, by which you and a special category of friends addressed your good selves in the good old days when men were men.
We remember that, even when a significant number of your vital organs had shot down irreversibly and you could hardly adequately respond to any other stimuli, the magical word, Amigo, was still the tonic that comforted and rekindled your spirit. That word was, indeed, much more powerful than any injection ever administered on you.
Our hearts bleed with sorrow and pain and our eyes are filled with tears. But nay, we shall not shed any tear today, because this is a celebration of life well spent.
Your life has been like a candle that burns itself out that others may see. A hard-working giant, who seldom rested, has departed on a journey of no return.
A colossus of many parts has slept to rise no more.
We salute your simplicity, humility, modesty, wisdom, courage, pragmatism, resilience, patriotism and incorrigibility.
Adios Amigo! Goodbye, our precious gem.
Rest in perfect peace till we meet again to part no more.

Dr Marcus and Hon. Justice Alero ERUAGA

Marcellina & Declan

Esther Lola Borha

As a child, he was Papa Benin to me and a host of my other siblings and cousins. Papa Lagos was Late Chief Marcel Anegbode Borha, for me, a legend for all times. My biological father, Adolphus Ogie Eguabor of Blessed memory was simply Dad and sometimes small Papa Benin. Collectively, the three of them played an indelible role in molding and shaping my total attitude till date.

As LLB to many, it now seems with the benefit of hindsight, that he lived larger than life in the manner he was often able to be at several places at the same time holding meetings, consultations and keeping appointments all geared towards advancing the cause of labour, human dignity and ensuring the worker was treated with utmost respect. Little did we know then as children the huge influence and monumental admiration he commanded amongst the elites of the world.

Back home he was simply the good Popsi and Uncle to all in the house. No matter how long he was away from home, on his return it was amazing how quickly he settled down to catch up with all that had happened in his absence. He only asked questions if he needed to resolve any issues. Not to mention that he was permanently with a book or two to read even while on the road in his numerous trips.

His famous Ishan greeting always was ‘ bi bha do,? Literally, what are guys up to or doing.? Life was abundant. There was always something of interest to go in pursuit of. LLB was a leader of leaders and there was therefore a constant stream of visitors to the house.

Unforgettable, were nine years he served as Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources and later Information in the Col. Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia administration in Mid West region and later Bendel state. The achievements of that regime remains till date unassailable and a national reference point for comparative infrastructural and social developments in the country.

I recall very vividly, during my vacations, when other Commissioners would come by the house and engage in discussions on end. Among them T. E. A Salubi, O P Edodo, E K Clark, Mokwenyen, Eruaga etc. LLB, it would appear was one of the youngest of the commissioners at the time but clearly his massive acumen, resourcefulness and sheer brilliance made him first amongst equals.

Remarkably, I never ever heard LLB raise his voice, not ever. Indeed what left a lasting impression on me was his habit of always huddled and bending over in rapt attention listening to what any one had to say. In my childhood naivety, I had began to assume that his posture at discussions, aforementioned, was synonymous to clear and deep understanding. Not to forget that the class of 66′ as the Ogbemudia administration came to be known by, had till date the best and endearing projects flung across the Old Bendel state now Edo and Delta states.

Today, labour leaders are the best examples of how not to lead workers. LLB had no house of his own even after serving for many years as Secretary General of the Nigerian Labour Congress and Commissioner in Bendel State for nine years. After the undemocratic overthrow of the General Yakubu Gowon administration in December of 1983, LLB picked up the gauntlet and with the help of friends and admirers put up a modest house in Benin City where he lived until he was called to eternal glory on January 3, 2017.

In comparison, Union leaders in today’s Nigeria, eat and dine with politicians of opposing parties, have mansions in Lagos, Abuja, London and any city of their choice in the USA. In villages where they are originally from, they erect palaces and fortify the ill gotten wealth with prison like high gates and perimeter fences to drive away thieves and night marauders. They pose as labour leaders but end up billionaires from the toil and sweat of those they profess to lead.

LLB has gone to eternal rest. Sick as he was, I have no doubt the state of our nation today, the factionalized labour groups and the political decadence in the name of partisan politics have been his cross to bear.
Now he has gone to rest at a ripe old age of 94. The millionaires and billionaires are dying of unknown causes at fifty and below.

Uncle, you were the best of whatever you wanted to be. When you could not be a tree you became the little shrub that grew and became an even bigger tree. When you could not be the sun you became the moon and when everything seemed to fail and fall apart you gave succor and hope.

Fare thee well for You have run your race.
We will miss you till the end of time.

Felix Ide Eguabor Snr.

For and on behalf of the EGUABOR Nephews.

I felt really blessed to be a son-in-law to such a humble man. I had 15 wonderful years with him and we always understood each other. We never had any conflicts. He was an extraordinarily committed father in-law to me, a great ‘Grand Dad’ to our children and a magnificent and wonderful father to my wife. My wife has had several occasions to recount her very warm and affectionate memories growing up with him as a little girl. He fondly called her ‘Etusco’ and ‘Etuspepe’. He loved and cared for all her needs. I am privileged to have had such a great personality as my father-in-law.

In all the years I knew him, I cannot recall a single moment where he raised his voice or complained about anything. From the beginning when I met him, he took me in as his son and I recall his asking me to just ‘take a bow’ on the day an official introduction was done in his home prior to my engagement to his daughter. According to him, he already knew me and it took his other family members to insist on allowing the conclusion of the usual formalities.
Grandpa loved and treasured children as evidenced by his many pictures with them. Assuredly, I believe that our little addition Omokhafe, though only a baby now, will grow to hear and read about him and would be guided by his legacy and heritage.

His love and fondness for me was unquestionable. He will smile and talk with me even when he has not done so with anyone for several days and without a doubt Comrade L.L. Borha, as I loved to call him was a very special man whose memory my family and I would continue to cherish and uphold. He is only gone physically but his spirit lives on. We take solace in the wisdom and uncommon sense, love, kindness, forthrightness, integrity and forbearance, all of which he bequeathed to us.

And so we say a temporary goodbye to a man we were all fortunate enough to know and a man who has left a rich legacy for his family and friends.

Please join me in celebrating the best father-in-law of all time.

Rest In Peace Comrade L L Borha

Philip And Racheal Ugbodaga

That my Uncle, Lawrence Leo Iyoha Borha’s passage has effectively ended the glorious and memorable era of active national labour activism, cohesion and unity of purpose cannot now be in doubt. For his, was truly a national struggle that produced positive results leaving in its wake a happy people made proud by labour leaders whose love for country was passionate and sometimes moderately extreme.

As a child, he was Papa Benin to me and a host of my other siblings and cousins. Papa Lagos was Late Chief Marcel Anegbode Borha, for me, a legend for all times. My biological father, Adolphus Ogie Eguabor of Blessed memory was simply Dad and sometimes small Papa Benin. Collectively, the three of them played an indelible role in molding and shaping my total attitude till date.

As LLB to many, it now seems with the benefit of hindsight, that he lived larger than life in the manner he was often able to be at several places at the same time holding meetings, consultations and keeping appointments all geared towards advancing the cause of labour, human dignity and ensuring the worker was treated with utmost respect. Little did we know then as children the huge influence and monumental admiration he commanded amongst the elites of the world.

Back home he was simply the good Popsi and Uncle to all in the house. No matter how long he was away from home, on his return it was amazing how quickly he settled down to catch up with all that had happened in his absence. He only asked questions if he needed to resolve any issues. Not to mention that he was permanently with a book or two to read even while on the road in his numerous trips.

His famous Ishan greeting always was ‘ bi bha do,? Literally, what are guys up to or doing.? Life was abundant. There was always something of interest to go in pursuit of. LLB was a leader of leaders and there was therefore a constant stream of visitors to the house.

Unforgettable, were nine years he served as Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources and later Information in the Col. Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia administration in Mid West region and later Bendel state. The achievements of that regime remains till date unassailable and a national reference point for comparative infrastructural and social developments in the country.

I recall very vividly, during my vacations, when other Commissioners would come by the house and engage in discussions on end. Among them T. E. A Salubi, O P Edodo, E K Clark, Mokwenyen, Eruaga etc. LLB, it would appear was one of the youngest of the commissioners at the time but clearly his massive acumen, resourcefulness and sheer brilliance made him first amongst equals.

Remarkably, I never ever heard LLB raise his voice, not ever. Indeed what left a lasting impression on me was his habit of always huddled and bending over in rapt attention listening to what any one had to say. In my childhood naivety, I had began to assume that his posture at discussions, aforementioned, was synonymous to clear and deep understanding. Not to forget that the class of 66′ as the Ogbemudia administration came to be known by, had till date the best and endearing projects flung across the Old Bendel state now Edo and Delta states.

Today, labour leaders are the best examples of how not to lead workers. LLB had no house of his own even after serving for many years as Secretary General of the Nigerian Labour Congress and Commissioner in Bendel State for nine years. After the undemocratic overthrow of the General Yakubu Gowon administration in December of 1983, LLB picked up the gauntlet and with the help of friends and admirers put up a modest house in Benin City where he lived until he was called to eternal glory on January 3, 2017.

In comparison, Union leaders in today’s Nigeria, eat and dine with politicians of opposing parties, have mansions in Lagos, Abuja, London and any city of their choice in the USA. In villages where they are originally from, they erect palaces and fortify the ill gotten wealth with prison like high gates and perimeter fences to drive away thieves and night marauders. They pose as labour leaders but end up billionaires from the toil and sweat of those they profess to lead.

LLB has gone to eternal rest. Sick as he was, I have no doubt the state of our nation today, the factionalized labour groups and the political decadence in the name of partisan politics have been his cross to bear.
Now he has gone to rest at a ripe old age of 94. The millionaires and billionaires are dying of unknown causes at fifty and below.

Uncle, you were the best of whatever you wanted to be. When you could not be a tree you became the little shrub that grew and became an even bigger tree. When you could not be the sun you became the moon and when everything seemed to fail and fall apart you gave succor and hope.

Fare thee well for You have run your race.
We will miss you till the end of time.

Felix Ide Eguabor Snr.

For and on behalf of the EGUABOR Nephews.

ADIEU UNCLE!

Elder Joseph Eguabor

I have known you since 1963 in Dancing Hall which was converted out of our present High Couth at Ubiaja as there was no alternative space for such social engagement. It was in a place where dancing was done with a partner using particular fixed steps and movements to particular types of music such as Waltz or Jazz. Your arrival at arena was aesthetic and the dull atmosphere became a place of joy. Even the cripple danced with you including me as a young man then. The very young ones made sure they touch you for record purposes. From this pointing time the enduring relationship continued. At this time our town could still be described as rustic and primitive. Your dancing steps were imported from United State of America, Switzerland and Europe. Uncle you were more than the ordinary. You have been a pace setter, a social elite in Nigeria.

In 1964 you came back to contest election to Federal House of Representative which you won though it was not allowed due to Nigeria factor. In this engagement I was involved and it was the foundation of my political consciousness. Uncle, since then you have never let me go. You have since then processed my character unconsciously. Our daily dialogue was part of this socialization process. Uncle you told me how you were a chain smoker and stopped the habit in Switzerland Airport when an old white man ran after the stump of cigarette you had thrown away and started smoking it. This habit you said went too far and any body could be a victim. This is one of the ways you have built my character. Uncle, I remain grateful to you.

Uncle L.L. B you became Messiah to Ubiaja when the Headquarter-ship was threatened by political warlords.

Uncle, after the military coup you became the Commissioner of Agriculture, information in Bendel State under the leadership of Colonel S. O. Ogbemudia Governor of the State. As trade Unionist you used subtle diplomacy to return all the institutions that were removed by political vendetta. The institutions were Ministry of Agriculture, Public works Department. Ministry of Education, Rural Electrification Board, Built General Hospital in the Town, Cattle Ranch which started producing milk for the inhabitants. Uncle, you also established Rice Mill for the farmers who were growing rice. In the Executive Council you were a star and that was why you had no conflict among your colleagues. You almost removed Exco to Udo Rest House in Ishan where the Annual Budget of the State was prepared and allocation of Resources were made. It was said that you were the best dressed commissioner in the state. Was it true? The best motivating speaker – skill learnt from Trade Unionism. They said you made Esan proud especially Ubiaja.

Uncle, despite all our dialogues which was often, we refused to agree on many issues and these were:- Now that I have got my freedom from you I can again ask my usual questions which were not satisfactorily answered. Thus:-

1. Why did you join the Western Block in your Trade Unionism despite your inclination to the Eastern Block? You said the West was closer to Nature and more exposed to Development.

2. What were the motivating factors that encouraged you to have education despite the inhibiting factors? Your knowledge of the English Language was first class. You can read novels of 500 pages within few hours.

3. You were the first young man at Ubiaja to be recruited for the First World War.

4. When people went against you that you were establishing factories and farms on their land instead of building them in the air what else encouraged you to continue? It was your own determination to help your people. As a result you became the best politician that ever lived in Ubiaja. Uncle, you were one thousand years ahead of your time on earth.

5. You were the first Trade Unionist in Ubiaja who became secretary to the Western Block which helped Nigeria to get her Independence in 1960. How did you do it?

6. Why were you always first in all your endeavors – First social elite in Ubiaja. First to own Mercedes Sports car, first commissioner and politician who chose to serve his people instead of cornering their patrimony into your pocket for self glorification. What motivated you to doing this when you knew we were not ready for this? They said you should have built the sky Scrapper on earth to glorify yourself here instead of Heaven where we will live forever. Uncle, who is wiser? You are always winning. Uncle, throughout our togetherness I did not see you quarrel with any body why? Is it that nobody ever offended you?

Uncle you gave me some assignments on Oath and asked me to keep them and I promised to keep them, you also gave me chapters and verses in the Bible which I must read in time of crisis and I will not fail because this is the only way now we can communicate.

For once let us agree to dialogue on Exodus chapter 3 Vs 14 – 17 “ He can only be likened to the discussion between God and Moses when Moses demanded from God who he would tell the Israelites the person who sent him.

The dialogue went thus: ‘I AM WHO I AM’ This is what you are to say to the Israelites. “The Lord, the GOD OF YOUR FATHERS – the GOD of ABRAHAM, JACOB appeared to me and said: I have watched over you and have seen what has been done to you in Egypt. And I have to bring you up out of your misery in Egypt into the land of the Canaanite flowing with milk honey”.

And so I have the audacity to claim that you were inspired by God to show us the way. You lived 1000 years ahead of time.

Uncle may your gentle soul rest in peace.

Adieu Uncle.

Sylvester Obeahon