16th September, 2011
The remains of former military vice president, Admiral Augustus Aikhomu were about to be interred at the time filing this report this afternoon at his residence along the Benin-Abuja Expressway, Irrua, Edo State, South-South Nigeria.
He died after a brief illness at a Lagos hospital on 17 August, 2011 at the age of 72.
Second Republic Vice President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme and the Senate President David Mark were some of the dignitaries who paid their last respects to the late Aikhomu.
At a commendation service held today at Saint David Anglican Church, Irrua, before his interment, family members led by the late Admiral’s wife, Rebecca, his children, political associates, scores of retired military officers assembled to honour the departed former Chief of General Staff.
As at the time of going to press, Prince Kassim Afegbua, the spokesman of Aikhomu’s former boss, General Ibrahim Babangida, confirmed to P.M.NEWS that Babangida was being expected at the ceremony.
Dignitaries at today’s church service include former Chief of Defence Staff, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe, Senator Tunde Ogbeha, ex-Naval boss, Jubril Ayinla, Prof. Sam Oyovbaire, Speaker Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Uyi Igbe, Chief Tom Ikimi, former leader, House of Representatives, and retd. Col. Tunde Akogun.
Others are: Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, former Army chief General Salihu Ibrahim, traditional rulers and others.
The church service was ongoing as at press time.
Funeral rites for the former number two citizen started yesterday with a wake keep in Lagos before the remains were airlifted to Benin City.
Governor Oshiomhole, family members led by the deceased’s wife Rebecca and children, the Chief of Naval Staff, Ola-Saheed Ibrahim, who led a special Naval parade were on hand to receive his remains at the airport.
Rear Admiral Joe Aikhomu received the corpse of his uncle on behalf of the family. The corpse was later taken to his home town, Irrua in Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State in a motorcade.
Early callers at his home include Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, Chief Anthony Anenih, Minister of Works Mike Onolememen and former Edo State governor, Lucky Igbinedion.
—Yomi Obaditan/Irrua