Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, former Osun State governor, has mourned the death of popular grassroots politician and his political mentee, Echekwu Anselem Udoka, better known as Orobo.
Udoka, the National Coordinator of Igbo Mandate in APC, passed on in Lagos after being admitted to the intensive care unit of the Gbagada General Hospital over an undisclosed ailment.
In a tribute shared on Facebook on Thursday, Aregbesola said the deceased was one of the best persons he ever met.
“It was at 0942 hrs on Monday, January 20, 2025, that my personal physician called to inform me that Orobo Aregbe, my political son, had been brought to his hospital in a bad state by his relatives.
“He said he had been put into the Intensive Care Unit of the facility with the best medical team assembled to attend to him.
“He was brought in unconscious with flooded lungs and very low oxygen level. He assured me that the best possible attention would be given to him.
“I was shaken but hopeful of a favorable outcome.
“When the doctor called back to inform me of the challenge his team of first class medical practitioners to revive him at 1304 hrs had, I refused to accept his conclusion or imagine the possible worst.
“I requested to talk to another doctor whom I earnestly pleaded with to continue to do all that was possible to save the life of arguably one of the best human beings I have ever known,” Aregbesola said.
The former Osun governor added, “Anselem was a GEM. As a human being he was just fantastic, as a politician; OROBO AREGBE was extraordinary in his trust, loyalty, commitment and dedication.
“He was electrifying in mobilisation, tireless in electoral work, ebullient in his disposition, guileless in his works and joyful at all times.”
Aregbesola said it was painful to lose “an amazing brother, partner and confidant like Orobo”.
“He was the epitome of loyalty, dedication and commitment to the progressive cause, his friends and me personally. His sterling life will continue to inspire many to worthy causes and the best human virtues.
“A bundle of energy, he wielded a huge influence in the Igbo progressive political circles in Lagos. Without despairing of God’s mercy, Echekwu Anselem Udoka (Orobo Aregbe) is almost irreplaceable,” the ex-minister said.
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