We are indeed deeply affected by the news of the passage of the royal sage, who bestrode the medical profession like a colossus and left his footprints in the global field of medicine as the first African, nay black Dean of Medicine.
According to a press statement signed by the Chairman, Delta NUJ , Comrade Churchill Oyowe and its secretary Comrade Victor Sorokwu, on February 14th, 2023, "Until his demise at a very gracious age of 100 years, he was a global icon and remained the first and oldest professor in his field of medicine."
"The unprecedented peace, harmony and development pervading in and around Asaba, the capital and seat of Delta State Government cannot be extricated from his sublime approach to traditional administration, making Asaba the most peaceful, hospitable and habitable home for all."
"As a very enlightened and urbane personality, he was able to interface with state authorities without compromising the relevance of the traditional institution since his installation as the 13th Asagba 34 years ago; a year before the creation of Delta state."
"He truly led his people of Anioma ethnic stock like a true and faithful shepherd leading from the front and ensuring they were properly factored in national and state politics."
"Indeed, the passage of Obi (Prof) Joseph Chike Edozien has created a huge vacuum in the socio-cultural and political life of Asaba and Anioma nation as his contributions would be pretty difficult to replace."
The NUJ Delta Council prays the Almighty God and Benevolent Creator to console the people of Asaba, Anioma Nation, Delta State, Nigeria and Africa at large.
We also pray that the legacies of the eminent traditional ruler of promoting peace, harmony and development in Asaba and the entire Delta State be sustained by the successive traditional authority that would come in his stead.