Aliu Omokide, ex-Bendel lawmaker, dies at 87

Aliu Omokide, former lawmaker of the defunct Bendel state, is dead. 

Omokide, who was a member of the state house of assembly between 1979 and 1983, died on Friday at the age of 87.

According to a statement issued on Sunday, the elder statesman who hailed from Igarra, in Edo, was the secretary of the Muslim pilgrims welfare board for many years.

Friends, sympathisers and associates have paid tribute to him, while he has been buried according to Islamic rites.

Okhishimede Eshimokhai Idogu, traditional ruler of Okpe kingdom in Akoko Edo, said the deceased will be remembered for his significant contribution to uplifting the lives of people.

“The quality representation which late alhaji Aliyu Omokide offered his people during his hey days as a honourable member of the defunct Bendel state house of assembly is eternally evergreen and difficult to forget,” Idogu was quoted to have said.

Taiwo Akerele, former chief of staff to Godwin Obaseki, governor of Edo, described Omokide as a role model who served the people selflessly.

“This man believes in selfless service to humanity and not how much he can grab into his pocket. He is a role model and I am happy to be associated with his legacy and his personality. Indeed, a good name is better than so-called riches and billions without sense of humanity,” Akerele said.

Kabiru Adjoto, former speaker of Edo, and Steve Dania, a special adviser to the governor, were among those present when the former lawmaker was laid to rest.