Cross River State Governor, Sen. Bassey Edet Otu, on Monday, paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Professor Ibiang Oden Ewa, a renowned scholar and respected elder statesman who passed away on Sunday following a brief illness.
The visit took place at the family residence in Yakurr Local Government Area, where the Governor was received by the widow of the deceased, Mrs. Patricia Ewa, and other members of the bereaved family, including the Commissioner for Special Duties, Hon. Oden Ewa.
Describing the loss as a profound one, Governor Otu expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Professor Ewa, whom he hailed as a towering intellectual and a pillar in the academic and political history of Cross River State.
“I have always been a big fan of Prof. I read all his books on military politics; he was an authority,” Governor Otu stated. “This is a very difficult vacuum to fill. He lived an exemplary life — for the people of Yakurr, for the state, and for our dear country. We will do our best to continue where he stopped. I have not yet come to terms with the reality of his passing.”
In his remarks, Hon. Oden Ewa, expressed gratitude to the Governor for the visit.
“I’m grateful for the presence of the state government, led by my principal and Governor. Our father lived a good life, and with the wealth of experience he imparted in us, we will do our best to uphold his legacy,” he said.
Late Professor Ibiang Oden Ewa was widely recognized for his contributions to academia, particularly in the field of military politics, and for his unwavering commitment to public service. His demise marks the end of an era and a monumental loss to the intellectual community, Cross River State and beyond.
