• Buried in his country home, Ogbonicha
From CHRISTIANA EKPA, Lokoja
THE Kogi State Government has declared seven days mourning as well as one day public holiday to enable the people of the state attend the burial of the late first civilian governor of the state who died in his country home Ogbonicha. The declaration by the Governor, Capt. Idris Wada, was a mark of last respect for Audu.
Wada, in a state broadcast to convey the condolences of the people of the state to the family of the deceased former governor, said that there will be skeletal government activities during the seven days mourning period.
Wada described the sudden demise of Audu as shocking, saying that he will ever be remembered for his developmental strides in the state during his six years rule of the state.
Wada prayed God to grant the soul of the late Governor eternal rest and the fortitude for his family members to bear the irreparable loss.
The remains of Audu was buried at his country home in Ogbonicha, Ofu Local Government Area, at 2.00pm on Monday, according to Islamic rites. He died on Sunday morning following a massive stroke.
Before his burial, there were unbelievable rumours that he has resurrected. A prophet was said to be invited to pray and possibly revive the late Audu. According to a report, there was “Interesting twist as prophet seeks to pray for Audu’s corpse and bring him back to life.” Accordingly, “The prayer man was successfully forcefully taken in by the wish of the crowd and they all joined in the prayers for the resurrection of Audu with Holy Ghost fire renting the air as well as shouts of Allahu Akbar.” Prince Audu’s corpse never responded to the prayers, sealing his final journey to the world beyond.
Some of the dignitaries that witnessed his funeral included Lucky Igbinedion, former Edo State Governor; Senator Dino Melaye, Senators Rabiu Kwakwanso and George Akume.