In Praise Of Late Dennis Chukude Osadebay

Dennis Chukude Osadebay was a Nigerian politician, poet, journalist and former premier of the now defunct Mid-Western Region of Nigeria, which now comprises Edo and Delta State. He was one of the pioneering Nigerian poets who wrote in English.

he was born today in history 29 June

Leroy Chuma Edozien canvasses more federal presence in Anioma

Last year, I packed up my clinical and medico-legal practice in the United Kingdom and entered the political arena back home with a view to contributing meaningfully to national development. Charity, we say, begins at home. I returned to my rustic hometown, Asaba, to help restore the glory of both this historic town and Delta State in general. I say ‘historic’ because the town is steeped in the political and commercial history of Nigeria, having served as the capital of the Southern Nigeria Protectorate and headquarters of the Royal Niger Company in its heyday. I am committed to raising the profile of Asaba and pushing for its accelerated development. In taking up this mantle, I have two historical figures of Asaba as my role models.

He said one reason why people strive hard to become a force to reckon with in the society was to leave a legacy that would be worthy of emulation and at the same time, outlive their person.

Those who were able to distinguish themselves are either honoured in their life time or when they have died, through being immortalized.

Only few, he says, are sometimes lucky to be immortalized during their life –time, whereas some are partially honoured after their death, and some others, never at all. He said Chief Dennis Chike Osadebey, the first Senate President of Nigeria, the first Sole Administrator and later Premier (now called Governor) of Midwestern region (old Bendel State, now split into Edo/ Delta States) after being carved out of old Western region, partially had his name immortalized; also not adequately immortalized, he said, is AlhajiKashimawo Abiola, the acclaimed winner of the controversial June 12, 1993 Presidential election. As politically influential as they were, they were both not adequately immortalized; ‘but Abiola was a bit luckier, for an institution was named after him, soon after he died, and later, by Buhari’s show of magnanimity, he had the National Stadium in Abuja, named after him.Sorry for that digression, because my main focus is on Anioma Nation.’