The Edo State Government has been urged to organise a memorial service in honour of the late Chief Anthony (Tony) Anenih, CFR, the Iyasele of Esanland, to mark the eighth anniversary of his death.
Making the appeal, Osamudiamhen Wike said the memorial service should be held on October 28, 2026, at St. Anthony Cathedral, Uromi, exactly eight years after the death of the former national political leader.
Wike described Chief Anenih as a prominent national leader whose influence extended beyond Edo State, noting that he played a significant role in mentoring and nurturing several prominent Nigerian politicians.
He therefore appealed to the Edo State Government to use the occasion to invite prominent political leaders across the country who had relationships with, or were mentored by, the late statesman.
Among those he suggested should be invited are former President Goodluck Jonathan; former Senate President David Mark; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; former Senate President Bukola Saraki; former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa; former Delta State Governor James Ibori; former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi; former Edo State Governor Lucky Igbinedion; Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; Dan Orbih; former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole; former Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson; former Speaker of the House of Representatives Aminu Tambuwal; and former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, among other national political figures.
According to Wike, bringing together these leaders would not only honour Anenih’s memory but also provide an opportunity for them to pay tribute to a man who contributed significantly to Nigeria’s political development and mentored many political leaders.
“Chief Anenih was a national leader who mentored many of them and deserves this honour,” Wike said.
He stressed that an eighth-anniversary memorial would be a fitting occasion for Edo State and the wider Esan community to celebrate the life, legacy and contributions of the late Iyasele of Esanland.
Wike called on the state government, traditional institutions, political leaders and other stakeholders to support the proposed memorial service and ensure that Chief Anenih’s legacy receives the recognition he deserves.
