Says the BoT member was a true patriot, stabilizing factor
By Tosan Edematie
The Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) has mourned the death of Chief (Dr.) Peter Claver Obakponovwe (JP), B, BS, FRCS (ED), FICS, Member of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of UPU, describing him as a stabilizing factor and a true Urhobo patriot.
Chief (Dr.) Peter Obakponovwe, a renowned community leader and founder of the popular Ufor Hospital, Ughelli died on Wednesday, August 19, 2021 after a protracted illness.
In a statement signed by Hon. Abel Oshevire, National Secretary, the UPU said the news of the transition of Dr. Obakponovwe came “as a rude shock to the National Executive Council of UPU and indeed the Urhobo Nation.”
According to the UPU, Chief (Dr.) Peter Obakponovwe, who was also a former first Deputy President-General of the apex body, was a true Urhobo patriot. “He devoted his life to the service of the Urhobo Nation and her people. His passion for Urhobo unity was unpretentious. For many years, as Founder and Chairman of the Forum of Presidents-General of Urhobo Kingdoms, Dr. Obakponovwe was a stabilizing factor in the Urhobo Nation as he ensured that there was unity and stability in the leadership of UPU. He contributed to the peace and security of Urhoboland.”
UPUP stated that “Dr. Obakponovwe was a consummate physician, community leader, and administrator. He was one of the pioneers of private medical practice in Urhobo land. He enjoyed fame in the Urhobo hinterland and beyond as one of the finest Urhobo surgeons that ever lived and owner of a thriving hospital in Ughelli, which he established in 1978 after leaving the government’s employment, where he was a Consultant Surgeon. His love of his medical practice and the physician-patient covenant were legendary.
“He served his native Okpara Community as President-General and was a President-General of Agbon Kingdom. In both services, Obakponovwe was exemplary and selfless. He deployed his resources for the improvement of his people and the development of the land.
“A graduate of the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan (UI) late Chief (Dr.) Obakponovwe was a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons; and a Fellow of the International College of Surgeons.
“The UPU and Urhobo Nation have lost a great man, a true Urhobo patriot, and leader. His death has left a gaping hole in Urhobo land. He is at the top of the long list of heroes and legends in Urhobo Land, Delta State, and Nigeria.
“The President-General, Olorogun (Dr.) Moses O. Taiga, JP, on behalf of the National Executive Council of UPU and the Urhobo Nation, commiserates with his family, Okpara Community, and the Agbon Kingdom on the irreplaceable loss of this legendary Urhobo man. He will be sorely missed.
“May his soul rest in peace.”
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