Africa's Longest Serving Monarch, Agba, Laid To Rest, As Otu, Suswam, Enoh, others Pay Last Respect
By Ndifreke BASSEY
As Africa's longest serving monarch HRM Uti (Dr.) J. D. Agba was laid to rest, prominent Nigerians have continued to pour tributes describing him as a rare gift to mankind.
Agba, OON, Uti Itedem lll of Utugwang, Uti Ukani l of Obudu, and the paramount ruler of Obudu was by record the longest serving monarch in the history of Africa.
Speaking during the service organised by St. Mathew Catholic Church Obudu, Governor Bassey Otu, represented by the Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Peter Odey noted that the deceased life was worthy of emulation.
Otu said the respect accorded late Uti J. D. Agba the third was borne out of his selfless service to his community and people while he lived adding that the state was indeed proud to be part of the history made flesh through the life of the paramount ruler.
He said "It is very difficult for us to bear the loss of a great son of the north. He has indeed left a big vacuum".
But we know he is with God and we will continue to pray for him. Cross River State will immortalize the great king to serve as a mark of respect for his numerous contributions to the state and country at large" Otu disclosed.
The governor donated the sum of ₦10 million to sUpport the building of the church in honour of the departed noting that it will serve as a rallying point for the spiritual and moral development of the people in that community.
The former governor of Benue State Senator Gabriel Suswam, Secretary to the Federal Government HE George Akume (represented), minister of sports development Senator John Owan Enoh, former minister of women affairs Pauline Tallen, Cross River State Commissioner for finance Mike Odere a host of dignitaries paid glowing tributes to the departed.
