By DADA AYOKHAI
The passing of Ambassador Abdul Azeez Garuba, the esteemed Mogaji of the sacred kingdom of Auchi, has cast a deep shadow over the hearts of his countless admirers, well-wishers, and most importantly, his beloved family.
The loss of such a revered patriarch has left the close-knit Garuba family grappling with profound grief and sorrow.
Ambassador Abdul Aziz Garuba was not only a remarkable teacher, banker, and civil servant, but he also became a prominent figure in the civil service, achieving the esteemed position of permanent secretary in the Cabinet Office in 1986—a role that paved the way to today’s presidency.
His contributions were vast, having served as the director general of the Ministry of Defence from 1986 to 1990, and taking on significant roles in the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Commerce and Tourism before retiring in 1997.
After his retirement, he continued to serve his country with dedication, becoming Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Canada in 1999.
His last public honour was as chairman of the Governing Council of Ambrose Alli University in Ekpoma, Edo State.
Even in retirement, Ambassador Garuba, affectionately known as “Daddy,” remained a vital source of strength and guidance for the Garuba family and the Auchi community. His commitment to uplifting those around him, along with his wealth of experience and leadership, made a lasting impact.
When news of his passing reached the community on Friday, June 4, an overwhelming sense of loss enveloped both the Garuba family and all of Auchi.
Friends and neighbours gathered quietly to share in their collective grief, reflecting on the loss of a true pillar of their society.
For many, the announcement felt as though the mighty iroko tree had finally fallen. The sadness etched on the faces of those who loved and respected him spoke volumes, conveying a shared sense of anguish and loss that will be felt for generations to come.
The late Ambassador Garuba was the uncle of the late former Edo State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt Hon Zakawanu Garuba
In her heartfelt tribute, Her Lordship Hassana Garuba, the widow of the former Speaker, expressed her profound sorrow upon hearing the news of his passing.
She wrote, “I was truly fortunate to have three guiding father figures in my life: my biological father, my father-in-law, and my senior father-in-law, whom we affectionately referred to as Daddy. He was a father to all, known for his genuine care, kindness, and love. Daddy was always there to share his wisdom and offer the best advice with remarkable patience.”
Hajia Hassana reflected on the loving patriarch that he was to the entire Garuba family, emphasising the deep void his absence would leave in their lives.
She prayed for the repose of his soul, knowing he would be sorely missed.
Prince Asamah Kadiri, who served as the LP governorship running mate in the September 21, 2023, Edo governorship election and is also a member of the Auchi royal family, expressed his sorrow, referring to the passing of the esteemed Ambassador Garuba as a “great loss.”
In his tribute, Prince Kadiri recognised the late Ambassador Garuba as an illustrious Nigerian and a compassionate leader, praising him as a quintessential statesman and a devoted champion of empowerment.
He extended heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, the broader Garuba family, the Auchi kingdom, and the entire Etsako and Afemai communities.
Prince Kadiri also prayed that Allah would forgive any shortcomings and reward the good deeds of this remarkable man.
Alhaji S. B. Momodu, a close friend and associate of the late Ambassador Garuba, also shared a touching tribute.
He poignantly remarked, “In the quiet dawn of your loss, we gathered our grief like rain clouds over the Olimioke kindred of Akpekpe, where a son of the soil was born in 1938, destined to become one of Auchi’s finest.”
Alhaji Momodu captured the essence of Ambassador Garuba’s life by stating that his passing brings an aching silence that resonates not only across Auchi land but throughout the valleys of Etsako, reaching the very corridors of Nigeria’s collective memory.
He highlighted that the life of Ambassador Garuba was anything but ordinary; it was a deliberate journey marked by intellect, service, and grace. From his formative years at the renowned Hussey College in Warri, Delta State, to his studies at the Emergency Science School in Lagos and the University of Nigeria in Nsukka, along with the University of Lagos and the Nigerian Law School, his life story is filled with resilience, marked by both tribulations and triumphs.
Alhaji Momodu extolled Ambassador Garuba’s virtues, emphasising how he built a legacy grounded in insight, scholarship, and public service, leaving behind a profound impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him.
The late Ambassador Garuba had a remarkable career, serving as a Higher Information Officer and Vice Consul at the Nigerian Embassy in New York from 1966 to 1968. His dedication extended to the United Nations office in Geneva, Switzerland, where he contributed significantly to global diplomacy.
In addition to his civil service, he was deeply involved in the political landscape of the Fourth Republic.
In 1997, he stood as the gubernatorial Aspirant for the United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP)
In 1999, he joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and became one of its gubernatorial aspirants, yet faced disappointment during the party’s primary—a moment that must have been particularly tough for someone with his vision and dedication.
His journey reflects not only his ambitions but also the resilience required to navigate the complexities of political life.
What Amb Azeez Garuba meant to Us-, Mrs Garuba, Others,
