Felix Ibru, Urhobo Leader, Mourns Onoge

Thursday, July 16, 2009 

THE President-General of Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), Senator Felix Ibru has described the death of erudite scholar, Prof. Friday Omafume Onoge, as a big loss not only to the Urhobo nation but the entire country. He said while alive, the late scholar was ruled by principles and stood firmly by the truth at all times, even if it meant standing alone on any matter

"As a scholar, Professor Onoge was among the best his generation could offer and as a citizen of Nigeria, he placed honour and integrity above the urge for the acquisition of personal benefits in handling national issues," Ibru said.

The Urhobo leader noted that unlike many people, Onoge had returned to live among his people in Ogberikoko in Uvwie local council area of Delta State where he continued his exemplary leadership after his meritorious service in the ivory tower.

Ibru is, however, pained that Prof. Onoge did not stay long enough among his people to transmit his good qualities to upcoming generations. "He was a proud Urhobo man who used the totality of his personality to project the Urhobo viewpoint both at home and abroad," Ibru added, stressing that the "the respected Prof. was never caught on the wrong side of any matter or found wanting when the point had to do with moving Urhobo forward."