By Adesina Soyooye
It was a tragedy of immense proportion. Not many could understand it. And, so, in a story that would make Nollywood green with envy, the Adabas, a prominent family in Kogi State, lost two of their high profile sons, one after the other, within a couple of days.
Tom Adaba, a Professor and pioneer Director General of the National Broadcasting Commission and his younger brother, Patrick Adaba, a former Deputy Governor of Kogi State, in one fell swoop, broke the hearts of their family members.
Professor Adaba kicked it off when he passed on. His passing shook quite a number of people. Family members were devastated. It was an incident they did not quite envisage. While they were trying hard to process the monumental passing of the Professor, another tragedy was waiting by the corner.
Professor Adaba’s younger brother, Patrick, a former Kogi State Deputy Governor, on hearing that his elder brother had passed on, could not take it. The shock was too much for him. He collapsed. Rushed to a hospital, he managed to hold on. 24 hours after his beloved elder brother was buried, he followed him. He, too, passed on.
A family member who pleaded anonymity said: “We lost again Chief Patrick Adaba, mni, immediate younger brother to late Prof Tom Adaba and former Kogi State Deputy Governor (1999 to 2007)”
“He had been in a precarious health condition in the last two years. In fact, when he was told his brother had passed-on, he collapsed and was rushed to the hospital and later discharged. Hmmm, he died at 7.45pm yesterday.”
Professor Adaba, died in the early morning of February 22. He was 84 years when he passed on.
in Abuja at the age of 84. Prof was buried on March 7 in Abuja. And, 24 hours later, his younger brother, Patrick joined him. He was aged 79 years.
only for Patrick to pass away about 24 hours later.
Mourning the passing of the former Deputy Governor,
the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, lamented: “Chief Adaba was a shining model of leadership, service, and dedication to the progress of Kogi State and Nigeria as a whole. As Deputy Governor to the late Prince Abubakar Audu, he served with integrity, patriotism, and an unwavering commitment to the development of our state. His contributions to governance, his statesmanship, and his role in shaping the early foundation of Kogi State will never be forgotten.
“His passing is not only a loss to his family, the Ebira nation, and his political associates, but also to the entire State and the Nation at large. We will forever remember his selfless service, his passion for the people, and the legacy he leaves behind.
“On behalf of the Government and the good people of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Chief Servant of Kogi State, extends his deepest condolences to the Adaba family, the people of Kogi State, and all who were touched by Chief Adaba’s life and leadership.
“He fuelled his dream of a great Kogi State with unblemished patriotism and great service to our dear state in and out of office as we continued to consult him to tap from his wealth of experience. He will be sorely missed.
“We pray that the Almighty grants his soul eternal rest and gives his family the strength to bear this great loss. We pray that his legacy continues to inspire generations to come.”
His funeral arrangements will be announced after consultations between the State Government and the family.
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