Adun Condoles Alenkhe Over Mother’s Death
By Simeon OSAJIE
The Ayobahan of Benin Kingdom and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bob Izua Conglomerate, Chief John Osamede Adun has paid condolence visit to the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, Comrade Festus Alenkhe and his siblings over the demise of their beloved matriarch, Madam Rose Alenkhe.
Madam Rose Alenkhe passed on onto glory on the 7th November, 2022 after a brief illness.
Chief who led other members of his conglomerate to paid visit to the alenkhe, said it was painful to loss a loved one, particularly a mother, considering the numerous roles they play in our lives from the cradle to adulthood.
“We thank God Almighty for the life Mama Alenkhe lived. Who are we to question God for her demise? Since God has called her to His bosom, we are say, to God be the glory.
“I can vividly recall when my mother was alive. She would not enter the house to sleep until I am home from wherever I went. I would ask her why she is still up and not in bed; she would reply that she won’t be able to sleep until she sees me at home.
“When my own mother died, Festus was with me all through the mourning period and even through the burial period and this is the time he also needs me and I will not abandon him at this trying time,” he promised.
Going further, Ayobahan of Benin Kingdom stated that this is the time Festus has to be strong because he is about to step into the big shoes mama has just left behind.
According to him, “You should not cry too much. Though it is painful, you should cry a little and relax because if you cry the way the thing is painful to you, people might think you don’t have money.
“Take time to organise yourself so as to give her a befitting burial and be able to fit into the big shoes of responsibility your mother just left behind which needs to be filled.”
In his response, Comrade Festus Alenkhe thanked Ayobahan of Benin Kingdom for finding time to come and console him and members of his family at this moment of grief.
He explained that the premises where the chief was seated was the building his mother lived in until her death. He said all efforts to relocate her to a more comfortable apartment met with stiff resistance.
According to him, “all efforts to even renovate the building also was vehemently rebuffed by my mother. She would always remind me of the nature of my job. She said she doesn’t want people to come and kidnapped. So, she pleaded to be allowed to remain here”.
Alenkhe thereafter told the august visitor that the burial of his mother is slated to commence from the 7th to 11th December.
He eulogized Chief Osamede Adun once again and prayed God Almighty to grant him long life in good health.
“I pray is to God to allow me preside over your 100 years birthday anniversary and I know many of you present here today would be present then and would be in prominent positions so that together, we shall all celebrate our good and amiable father,” he concluded.
