The Igbo Youth Movement, IYM, has lamented the passage of a great scholar, peace maker and patriot, Professor Ben Obumselu.
In a statement, Evangelist Elliot Ugochukwu-Uko, Founder IYM, said that the demise of Prof. Obumselu, “A man of history, A man of letters, leaves us all in a state of shock,” stressing that “If there ever was an Igbo man who made sacrifices for a better tomorrow for our people, while remaining a patriotic Nigerian, he truly was.”
The statement by Evang. Ugochukwu-Uko, who is also the Secretary of the Eastern Consultative Assembly insisted that they would treasure Prof. Obumselu’s support, advice and guidance “in full knowledge that we would not have become what we are today without him.”
Full text of the statement reads:
A GREAT SCHOLAR PASSES ON
On behalf of the Igbo Youth Movement, we mourn the demise of a truly great scholar, distinguished leader and icon. The translation on Saturday 4th March of the legendary Prof Ben Obumselu. A man of history, A man of letters, leaves us all in a state of shock. The great Obumselu inspired us all, a moving encyclopedia of all the historic moments of the Nigerian project.
From the University College Ibadan in the early 1950s, through independence conferences, the tumultuous First republic, the Brutal civil war and the struggle by actors to sustain the Nigerian Enterprise.
Ben Obumselu stood out, as an uncommon recorder of events, who sometimes found himself in the vortex or some of the dramatic events that shaped our nation’s savage history.
He always played the role of a peace maker and quiet adviser.
His literally style, especially his colorful prose, adorned the pages of most historic documents of both Biafra and Nigeria.
His patriotic zeal was never in doubt, he inspired and influenced almost three generations of students, activist, fighters and political actors from all sides.
If there ever was an Igbo man who made sacrifices for a better tomorrow for our people, while remaining a patriotic Nigerian, he truly was.
He will be missed and remembered by very many different people for a variety of reasons.
We will treasure his support, advice and guidance, in full knowledge that we would not have become what we are today without him.
Adieu. Erudite Scholar.
Evang. Elliot Ugochukwu-Uko
Founder: Igbo Youth Movement
Secretary: Eastern Consultative Assembly
