A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Charles Obule, has passed on at 65.
The politician slumped and died yesterday in the Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State.
The deceased held the traditional title of “Erhi of Okpe Kingdom”.
It was gathered that Obule passed away yesterday after battling an undisclosed illness.
Until his death, the late PDP chieftain was a party leader in Delta State and a former governorship and senatorial aspirant of the party.
Reacting in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, Delta State governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, described the deceased as an astute politician, a businessman and an affable philanthropist, who according to him was very popular among his people.
The governor expressed sadness on the passing of the renowned party chieftain as he commiserated with the people of Sapele, Okpe Kingdom and Urhobo nation.
Oborevwori said, “On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I mourn the passing of a gentleman and grassroot politician, Chief Charles Ufuoma Obule, who died on Tuesday evening.
“The news of his passing was a terrible shock to me. He was a gentleman-politician, and he distinguished himself in the service of his people as a great philanthropist.
“Chief Obule was a versatile lawyer, prominent businessman and astute politician who excelled in all that he did. He was a humanist par excellence. Obule Group of Schools and Medical Centre, which he founded, are renowned for quality education and healthcare delivery to the people of Sapele and the Urhobo nation at a hugely subsidised cost.
“As a grassroots politician and party financier, Chief Obule contributed greatly to the growth of the PDP in Sapele Local Government Area and Delta State. His death is a big loss not just to the PDP and Urhobo nation, but also to the entire Delta State.
“I pray for God’s comfort and strength for the bereaved family and all those whose lives he touched. And may his soul rest in peace.”