Father Of Delta State Governor, House Leader Die Hours After Each Other From COVID-19 Complications

Delta State House of Assembly was yesterday thrown into mourning following the death of its Majority Leader, Tim Kome Owhefere, at the age of 57. 

Owhefere, a fourth-time member of the Delta Assembly, who represented Isoko North Constituency, reportedly died about 11:05p.m. on Wednesday at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba from COVID-19 complications.

The Guardian learnt the deceased was placed on oxygen for about two weeks at the FMC where he was being treated before his death, fueling speculations that he died from Coronavirus.

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Speaker of the House, Sheriff Oborevwori, Commissioner for information, Charles Aniagwu, had earlier contracted the virus, but they recovered. Reacting to the news, Okowa expressed shock and sadness over the sudden death of the lawmaker.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Olisa Ifeajika, the governor described Owhefere as a committed, hardworking, patriotic and thoroughbred lawmaker, who until his demise served the state and his constituents diligently.

He said the deceased would be remembered for his outstanding humility, patriotism and commitment in handling the affairs of the Assembly as House Leader from 2015.

MEANWHILE, the state also recorded another tragedy as Governor Okowa’s father, Chief Arthur Okorie Uzoma Okowa passed on at 89 from the COVID-19 pandemic. He hailed from Owa-Alero in Ika North East Council of the state.

The governor’s father reportedly passed away hours after Owhefere died at the FMC, Asaba, where he was also receiving treatment, as sources at the FMC confirmed that he had earlier tested positive to Coronavirus.