The chairmanship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, for Ughelli North Local Government Council in the forthcoming local government elections in Delta State, Olorogun Jaro Egbo has extolled the exemplary lifestyle of one-time Nigeria’s Minister of State for Education, Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi.
Gbagi, a native of Oginibo town Ughievwen Kingdom in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State died on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at the age of 62.
Egbo, who is the Amerode of Ughelli Kingdom and Ogidigan of Agbon Kingdom in a heartwarming letter of condolence to the Gbagi family addressed to his son, Chief Emuobo Gbagi described the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 2023 governorship election in Delta State as an unrepentant Urhobo Irredentist of no mean status.
“He (Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi) loved urhobo little wonder he was conferred the chieftaincy title of Ojaurhoboreri. It was a bold testament to his love for his people which gave true expression in his huge investments in real estate, shopping malls and hotels in a bid to offers hundreds of job opportunities to his people.
“Paradoxically, it is this dealings of trying to uplift his people that gave him the highest challenge by those who misunderstood him and chose to explore his character flaws,” said Egbo.
Egbo who until his entrants into the chairmanship race of Ughelli North Local Government Council was a Special Adviser to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Transport, while re-echoing the legendary lifestyle of the departed Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi, said he received the news of his death with rude shock.
He recalled the fond memories of knowing Gbagi in the 1990s describing him as a jolly good fellow who is down to earth.
“Since our fortuitous meeting in 1990 at his Geekos Limited headquarters in ljora Lagos, we have maintained an uncommon friendship of a big brother and a favourite kiddo. He is always a good host whenever we see him in his Lagos, Abuja, UK and his Jakpa Road palatial residences.
“A workaholic and a very loud personality with a huge-sized ego borne out of his self-made and rag-to-riches bearing. His connections within the private and public sectors with business Mongols and power brokers across the world is legendary.
“It is our fervent prayer that the Almighty God grant him eternal passage to heaven. May you be strong to stir the Gbagi Dynasty to safe waters.
“Please, accept the kind wishes of my highest regards,” said Olorogun Egbo in the letter of condolence to Chief Emuobo, the eldest son of Olorogun Gbagi.