Imodagbe, Ugbome, Erhagbe, Pay Tributes to late Prof lgbafe

By DADA AYOKHAI

Tributes have continued to pour in for the late Prof Philip Igbafe, erudite historian, administrator and scholar, who died a few days ago after a brief illness. 

Once news of his demise filtered into town, family members and close associates of the erudite historian went into temporary shock  trying to absorb the news of his death

As a matter of fact, the entire Etsako and, by extension, Edo North senatorial district, is still reeling from the news of his death. 

The late emeritus professor of history hailed from Ayua, Uzairue clan, Etsako West council area and he  is widely revered as an accomplished historian and humanist.

In his tribute, Hon Abdullahi Imodagbe, an Edo North representative at the Edo State Oil and Gas Commission Development board and a  kinsman of the late professor, described him as a " rare gem and humanist" who conquered his field of endeavour and brought glory to his people. 

Similarly, Hon Paschal Ugbome, a former Etsako Central LGA chairman and a lawmaker, said the death of the erudite scholar calls for celebration rather than mourning in view of his numerous accomplishments. 

Hon Ugbome further added that he is lucky to have had the privilege to meet and later became a junior friend of a man he once hero worshipped as a toddler.

Amongst who also gave a tribute was Prof  Eddy Erhagbe, who considentaly broke the news of the death of the erudite prof, wrote on his  face book wall 

"It is very difficult to believe you are gone, all through you never showed any sign of weakness, expectations were high, you told me so many things you were going to do once you are back on your feet. This is a big blow. O death why???? You took my mentor away few hours after l left him. I promised to come back. I never knew I will not see you again. Ivhale emasor elimi, ivhale emasor elimi, elimi emuekpe norya ye, ivhale emasor elimi, ukui avia yormhagbe, ukui oriri yortor, ukui avia yormha egbe oki kuetse norfo. May the angels of God receive you into God's paradise. Adieu my mentor, Prof Emeritus, an Orator of International Standard, unequalled and unparalleled. It is hard to say good bye" 

 Prof Igbafe  served the then  Bendel State in various capacities during the military regime of late Gen George Agbazika Innih, first as commissioner of works and transport and later as commissioner of Chieftaincy Affairs and Culture. 

On the completion of a meritorious public service between 1976 to 1978, he returned to his familiar terrain as a lecturer and was appointed Professor of African History at the University of Benin.

His pioneer writings on the history and culture of Benin Kingdom as well as the origin and culture of Edo North people greatly helped to put them on the world map. 

Prof Igbafe's major contributions to Nigerian history covered mainly the pre- colonial era with particular emphasis on the British conquest of Benin; the biography of Agho Obaseki of Benin; the socio- economic foundation of the Benin Kingdom; the Nigerian colonial experience as well as the history and culture of Etsako people.