Benue Gov. Alia, Ex- senate President, others eulogize late iconic academia

From Attah Ede Makurdi 

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr Hyacinth Alia, has described late Jonah Isawa-Elaigwu, as “illustrious son” of the state and “a tall figure in the academic world.”

 Isawa who passed away on 22 July in Jos, Plateau State was buried today at his country home, Otukpo, Otukpo local government area of the State.

The governor in a condolence message at  Elaigwu’s funeral service in Otukpo, noted that the famed professor of political science made his mark in nation-building through “teaching, research, public lectures and publications.”

“We will remember him for his integrity, intellectual brilliance, and commitment to the unity of our nation,” the governor said.

In his funeral oration, the State deputy governor of the state, Sam Ode, recalled the late scholar’s contribution in bridging the gap between the tiers of government aimed at deepening federalism. 

 Ode who was represented by the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Edeh Ogwuche, said the deceased left an indelible mark in the academia, “shaping minds and informing policies rooted in justice, equity and altruism.”

“As a distinguished scholar of political science and international relations, his voice resonated in academic halls, policy fora, inspiring countless individuals to pursue excellence, integrity, and service,” Ode said.

In his tribute the immediate-past deputy governor of Benue State, Benson Abounu, said the late academic inspired him and generations of scholars to pursue their dreams. 

“We were looking up to  Elaigwu because of his academic brilliance. He contributed to the development of federalism in Nigeria, particularly during the military government of President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida,” he recalled. 

The officiating minister at the funeral service, the Archbishop of the Methodist Church in Benue State, the Most Reverend Joshua Ngbede, urged Christians to imbibe the virtues of love and forgiveness which Christ embodied. 

The cleric laudedr Elaigwu for his life of service and integrity. 

He urged mourners and sympathisers at the funeral service to recommit their lives to the promotion of peace and development of Nigeria. 

In line with his death wish, the late Elaigwu was interred in the precinct of the school as his bereaved children and relatives wept uncontrollably.

The national burial committee of the late Elaigwu, led by Professor Sunday Ochoche, led dignitaries including Justice Ejembi Eko; a retired justice of Nigeria’s Supreme Court Air Vice-Marshal Monday Morgan (retd), and academics from the University of Jos, where Professor Elaigwu lived much of academic life.

Earlier, nights of tributes were held in the deceased honour in Abuja and Jos where former Nigerian Heads of State, Generals Yakubu Gowon, Ibrahim Babangida, Abdulsalami Abubakar, and two ex-Senate Presidents – David Mark and Iyorchia Ayu, where they paid glowing tributes to Professor Elaigwu for the remarkable life he lived. 

Elaigwu, 77, was until his passing, President, Institute of Governance and Social Research (IGSR) and Professor Emeritus (Political Science), University of Jos.

At the tribute to the deceased academic in Abuja, Victoria Elaigwu said their father was an “accomplished international scholar who mentored several younger scholars.”

“He taught us the values of hard work, integrity, and compassion, leading by example in everything he did. His legacy is one of patriotism, resilience, kindness, and unyielding love.

“We will carry his memory in our hearts forever,” she said.

Born in 1948, Elaigwu served as a teacher, researcher, and adviser to successive governments in Nigeria.

He was globally recognised for his expertise in federalism, political stability, and democratic governance.