By Akanimo Sampson
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State and his Kogi State counterpart, Yahaya Bello, have numerous morners around the world in commiserating with the Uwaifo family, Bini kingdom and music buffs, over the passing of legendary musician, Prof. Victor Uwaifo.
The Speaker described the death of a legendary singer and guitarist, Sir Victor Uwaifo, as a sad development, pointing out that the musical icon accomplishments would never be forgotten as he used his genre of music to entertain and educate Nigerians.
Gbajabiamila recalled how Uwaifo became popular in handling the guitar, which he said attracted the attention of a lot of Nigerians at the time, adding that Uwaifo would be missed by Nigerians and prayed God to grant the soul of the legendary musician eternal rest.
Governor Okowa’s condolence is contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Olisa Ifeajika, on Sunday in Asaba, the state capital. He also condoled with the government and people of Edo on the demise of the renowned musician, a native of Benin, who reportedly died on Saturday after a brief illness.
Though thhe late Uwaifo was 80 years old, Okowa, who expressed shock and sadness at the passing of Uwaifo, said he was a star, whose demise remained a huge loss to lovers of his genre of music.
While noting that the deceased contributed immensely to the entertainment industry and academia, excelling enviably in both, Okowa said Uwaifo was a unique personality, who to the astonishment of many, effectively combined his music career and teaching at the high level, rising to the pinnacle of both.
He said the deceased was a great musician, writer, sculptor and inventor of musical instruments, pointing out that the history of Nigeria’s hall of fame would not be complete without Victor Uwaifo’s name.
He recalled that in recognition of Uwaifo’s versatility, former governor of Edo, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, appointed him as commissioner in charge of Arts, Tourism and Culture, from 2001 to 2003.
“On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I offer my deepest condolences to Uwaifo family and friends, including the entertainment industry, where the late veteran musician featured prominently as a forebear.
“The late Sir Victor Uwaifo was one of the country’s iconic musicians and was reputed to have had an illustrious musical career spanning over 55 years. He was indeed, a household name with hit-songs like “Joromi”, “Guitar Boy” and “Mamiwater’ and will be greatly missed by lovers of highlife music.
“It is my belief that the late Sir Victor Uwaifo will be long remembered and honoured for his huge impact, not just in entertainment but in the academia”, Okowa said and prayed that God would grant eternal rest to the soul of the departed Uwaifo and comfort his family and all who mourn him.
Governor Bello’s condolence message was also contained in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Onogwu Muhammed, on Sunday. He noted that the Uwaifo used his music to bring Nigerians together through his sonorous and melodious highlife music which also earned him reputation within and outside the shores of Nigeria.
While stating that Uwaifo’s legacy was carved in the sands of time, he added that the multi-instrumentalist, melody maker and renowned virtual artist recorded some landmarks, and recalled that Uwaifo earned his first degree at the age of 54, with a first class, and obtained Master degree at an advanced age.
While commiserating with Uwaifo’s family, Edo government and the music and entertainment industry over the loss of the legend, Bello urged them to be consoled by the fact that he lived a fulfilled life.
Bello said that Uwaifo contributed greatly to the music and entertainment industry in his state and the country in general, which earned him a national honour of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON), and prayed God to grant all those grieved by his passing the fortitude to bear the loss, adding that he would be sorely missed.
The News Agency of Nigeria however reports that the death of the music maestro, sculptor and philosopher was announced on Saturday. He was aged 80.
