Kashim Shettima, vice president on Saturday joined dignitaries in Delta State for the funeral of Israel Ogbue, father-in-law of Tony Elumelu, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Chairman.
The burial, held in Onicha-Olona community in Aniocha North Local Government Area, attracted political leaders, business executives and members of the diplomatic and corporate community who gathered to pay their final respects to the late patriarch, who died on 18 February 2026.
Shettima led a federal government delegation to the ceremony, conveying President Bola Tinubu’s condolences to the bereaved family and the people of Delta State.
“On behalf of President Bola Tinubu, I extend our condolences and our respect to the family, the people of Onicha-Olona, and the government and people of Delta State,” the Vice President said at the event.
He described the late Ogbue as a man who lived a purposeful life, noting that his values and influence would continue to resonate within his family and community.
“At a moment like this, we can list achievements, we can recount titles, but what matters most is the life behind them. Pa Ogbue lived a life of meaning,” Shettima said. “He served, he guided, and he left things better than he met them.”
The vice president further observed that although the gathering was occasioned by grief, it also reflected a celebration of a long and impactful life.
“While we feel the weight of his passing, we must also recognise that this is a celebration — a celebration of a long life well lived and a legacy that will continue through generations,” he added.
Shettima was accompanied by senior government officials, including Ahmed Dangiwa, the minister of housing and urban development, Uba Maigari, minister of state for regional development and other notable figures from government and business circles.
The funeral brought together leading personalities from across Nigeria’s political and corporate landscape in honour of the late Israel Ogbue.