A former Edo gubernatorial aspirant on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC) and immediate past Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, on Tuesday, announced the demise of his father, High Chief Adewole Umakhihe, who passed on at the age of 84.

The immediate past Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development made the announcement in a statement on behalf of the Umakhihe family.

He disclosed that his late father, High Chief Adewole Umakhihe of Iyeu, in Otuo, Owan East Local Government Area, passed on 2nd March 2025 at the age of 84.

“With a heart, full of gratitude, I announce the peaceful passing of my beloved father, High Chief Adewole Umakhihe of Iyeu, Otuo, Owan East Local Government Area of Edo State. He departed this world on March 2, 2025,” he said.

“Until his death, my beloved father was a man of several parts. He was a retired military personnel, a politician, and one of the leaders of the APC in Ward 8 Otuo, in Owan East local government area of Edo State. He was also a successful farmer.

“He was equally a notable and key member of the Otuo Traditional Council of Chiefs and Elders, and dedicated his life to fostering unity, embracing people from all backgrounds, and tirelessly working for the progress of Otuo community and the entire Owan East.”

Umakhihe added that funeral rites will be announced in due course and prayed for the soul to rest in perfect peace.