The story
LAWRENCE LEO IYOHA BORHA (LLB) [1923 - 2017]
Pa Lawrence Leo Borha (LLB), Pioneer national Trade Unionist, Technocrat and Politician passed away on January 3, 2017 in Benin City the Edo state capital at the ripe old age of 94 years, after a bravely fought protracted illness.
And so, with his passage the curtain has effectively been drawn on the nation’s first generation labour leaders, master strategists and political tacticians. Along with late Michael Imoudu, LLB, as he was fondly called, played a pivotal and major organizational role in the establishment of the National Trade Union Movement in the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Indeed his managerial dexterity ensured its growth and survival.
A seasoned technocrat, he along with others remain the pillars of the then newly created Midwest Region, later Bendel and now Edo State.
EARLY DAYS:
He was born in Ubiaja on August 10, 1923 to the famous Alumhen Borha family of Idumhenbor Quarters in what is today Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State. His mother was Avere Borha.
LLB had his elementary school at St. Benedict’s Catholic School, Ubiaja and proceeded to African College, Onitsha for his secondary education. He was a brilliant and exceptional student and even though he was comparatively from a poor background, support for his education came readily and steadily. His immediate family and kind hearted individuals who early enough spotted his great potentials pulled resources together to see him through his secondary education.
ADULTHOOD:
After graduation he was offered a teaching job and before he could settle down fully to his new job, events around the globe began to unfold very fast. Then, the dark clouds of World War II was looming. Being a British Colony at the time, the impact on Nigeria was immediate and resonated around the entire country.
Imports dried up and proceeds from local exports - largely rubber, timber, groundnuts, cotton, palm oil/kernels etc were directed to the war efforts. This was the scenario when the second campaign towards the war efforts began. Conscription of able bodied adults to join the Army became the vogue while the educated joined the army with adventure in mind regardless of the risks involved.
Young Lawrence belonged to this group. He enlisted and was moved to Egypt before being posted to the nursing Corps. His regiment later moved to Burma where he was before the end of the war followed by his demobilization.
He exhibited an incredible independent spirit on his return as he first tried his hands on local trading and business. He then joined the Civil Service, the Ministry of Information and resigned after a few years to take up a full time job as a Trade Union Secretary. In this capacity, he frequently attended International Labour Organization Congress meetings in Geneva, Switzerland, where he made international friends like Tom Mboya of Kenya, Helmut Schmidt, later Chancellor of West Germany and many others. Indeed he was so close to Helmut Schmidt that the German made it possible for his two nephews to travel to Germany on scholarship.
The narrative of LLB’s labour activism would be incomplete without particular reference to the Nigerian General Strike of 1964 that crippled the entire country.
According to the history books, as regional and ethnic competition intensified during the census crisis, tensions of a wholly different order was gathering explosive force. Wage labourers were beginning to focus their indignation over declining real income and gross economic inequality into military demands for Government attention and higher pay.
For a brief but crucial year in Nigerian politics, the severely fractured trade union movement united in a concerted challenge to the political class and what began as a protest over wages quickly widened into an attack on the very basis of the regimes authority. Spanning the later stages of the Federal election the census crisis and the preliminary maneuvering of the Federal Election, the conflict peaked in a thirteen day General Strike that brought the economic life of the nation to a virtual standstill.
In the confrontation, Nigerian workers scored a significant victory while the regime was discredited across a wide and crucial segment of public opinion.
There is no gainsaying that the forces that led that General Strike were among others, Michael Imoudu as labour leader and Lawrence Leo Borha as secretary general of the Nigerian Labour Congress.
In the 50’s, Trade Unionism and Union leaders were closely aligned to political parties as indeed they still are till date. LLB was one of the stormy petrels of these arrow heads in the labour movement with the likes of Michael Imoudu, Duke Idise Dafe, Gogo Chu Nzeribe, Tunji Otegbeye and others.
His last known Trade Union activity, indirectly as it was, was when he served as Labour Adviser to President Shehu Shagari before the second Republic Government was overthrown in a military coup in 1983.
Before then however, he had served as commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources in the Col. Samuel Ogbemudia administration at inception in Midwest region of Nigeria for nine years.
Little wonder that when told that LLB was very alive and in Benin two years ago. General Ogbemudia (Rtd) retorted: the great one, where is he?
A man of humour devoid of bitterness he was very compassionate and caring. He was always involved in peaceful resolution of conflicts in his rural area, state and the nation at large.
He is survived by a wife, Lola Borha, three sons, Edmund, Charles and David, a daughter Rachael as well as grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is also survived by daughters-in-law, Cousins, Nephews and Nieces.
A great one has indeed departed. When comes another?
May his gentle soul rest in peace.
Memory wall
27 tributes have been left in memory of CHIEF LAWRENCE LEO BORHA (LLB).
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TRIBUTE TO OUR BELOVED DADDY. My Daddy ,my father- in -law.You were always kind to me from the very first day we met.Alexx and I did our wedding celebration in your household with great support and love from you. We shall rejoice in the path of integrity,love,respect(Ekpen) as nurtured by your way of life . We are grateful for your support and love. Daddy, rest in the perfect love of our Lord Jesus Christ, amen. From your beloved Alexx & Aima Borha. Alexx & Aima Borha
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TRIBUTE TO A GREAT UNCLE We have lost a treasured gift from God embodied in "Uncle LLB" as we all fondly called him. You were indeed a vessel unto honour. You lived an invaluable life and extremely impacted many with your loving and kind heart. You imprinted indelible landmarks in the sands of time. It can be truly said of you that - "You fought a good fight and finished the race". You will be remembered for your selfless, peace-loving disposition and your humour. May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace. With Love from: Mr & Mrs Tony Borha
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TRIBUTE TO PAPA ( A Class Act) late Chief, PA, Commish, Sec, as you have probably noticed, had a lot of titles before his name and very deserving, Lawrence Leo Borha, also popularly known as L L Borha, a man whom I had the privilege of knowing, was a man of high integrity and a humble spirit. A distinguished gentle man, who was a model dad to his three sons and grand children, and a devoted husband to his lovely wife. He might have had three biological children, he was a daddy to a host of others and admired by all who had the privilege of knowing him. The way he connected with his boys was enviable by friends, I included, he was a natural draw, even in his old age. A distinguish civil servant, who served the nation that he loved so much most of his life here on earth, and maintained his integrity while serving in a period of zero accountability. Nigeria, Midwest state in particular has lost a dear son. Rest in peace. Ayo Dafinone
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That my Uncle, Lawrence Leo Iyoha Borha's passage has effectively ended the glorious and memorable era of active national labour activism, cohesion and unity of purpose cannot now be in doubt. For his, was truly a national struggle that produced positive results leaving in its wake a happy people made proud by labour leaders whose love for country was passionate and sometimes moderately extreme. As a child, he was Papa Benin to me and a host of my other siblings and cousins. Papa Lagos was Late Chief Marcel Anegbode Borha, for me, a legend for all times. My biological father, Adolphus Ogie Eguabor of Blessed memory was simply Dad and sometimes small Papa Benin. Collectively, the three of them played an indelible role in molding and shaping my total attitude till date. As LLB to many, it now seems with the benefit of hindsight, that he lived larger than life in the manner he was often able to be at several places at the same time holding meetings, consultations and keeping appointments all geared towards advancing the cause of labour, human dignity and ensuring the worker was treated with utmost respect. Little did we know then as children the huge influence and monumental admiration he commanded amongst the elites of the world. Back home he was simply the good Popsi and Uncle to all in the house. No matter how long he was away from home, on his return it was amazing how quickly he settled down to catch up with all that had happened in his absence. He only asked questions if he needed to resolve any issues. Not to mention that he was permanently with a book or two to read even while on the road in his numerous trips. His famous Ishan greeting always was ' bi bha do,? Literally, what are guys up to or doing.? Life was abundant. There was always something of interest to go in pursuit of. LLB was a leader of leaders and there was therefore a constant stream of visitors to the house. Unforgettable, were nine years he served as Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources and later Information in the Col. Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia administration in Mid West region and later Bendel state. The achievements of that regime remains till date unassailable and a national reference point for comparative infrastructural and social developments in the country. I recall very vividly, during my vacations, when other Commissioners would come by the house and engage in discussions on end. Among them T. E. A Salubi, O P Edodo, E K Clark, Mokwenyen, Eruaga etc. LLB, it would appear was one of the youngest of the commissioners at the time but clearly his massive acumen, resourcefulness and sheer brilliance made him first amongst equals. Remarkably, I never ever heard LLB raise his voice, not ever. Indeed what left a lasting impression on me was his habit of always huddled and bending over in rapt attention listening to what any one had to say. In my childhood naivety, I had began to assume that his posture at discussions, aforementioned, was synonymous to clear and deep understanding. Not to forget that the class of 66' as the Ogbemudia administration came to be known by, had till date the best and endearing projects flung across the Old Bendel state now Edo and Delta states. Today, labour leaders are the best examples of how not to lead workers. LLB had no house of his own even after serving for many years as Secretary General of the Nigerian Labour Congress and Commissioner in Bendel State for nine years. After the undemocratic overthrow of the General Yakubu Gowon administration in December of 1983, LLB picked up the gauntlet and with the help of friends and admirers put up a modest house in Benin City where he lived until he was called to eternal glory on January 3, 2017. In comparison, Union leaders in today's Nigeria, eat and dine with politicians of opposing parties, have mansions in Lagos, Abuja, London and any city of their choice in the USA. In villages where they are originally from, they erect palaces and fortify the ill gotten wealth with prison like high gates and perimeter fences to drive away thieves and night marauders. They pose as labour leaders but end up billionaires from the toil and sweat of those they profess to lead. LLB has gone to eternal rest. Sick as he was, I have no doubt the state of our nation today, the factionalized labour groups and the political decadence in the name of partisan politics have been his cross to bear. Now he has gone to rest at a ripe old age of 94. The millionaires and billionaires are dying of unknown causes at fifty and below. Uncle, you were the best of whatever you wanted to be. When you could not be a tree you became the little shrub that grew and became an even bigger tree. When you could not be the sun you became the moon and when everything seemed to fail and fall apart you gave succor and hope. Fare thee well for You have run your race. We will miss you till the end of time. Felix Ide Eguabor Snr. For and on behalf of the EGUABOR Nephews.
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A TRIBUTE TO MY HUSBAND You cannot pluck a rose all fragrant with dew without part of its fragrance remaining with you Rest In Peace Omi Alumhe Borha Omi Negbenegbe Amu Omi Avergemede Omi Odion Borha You have played your part and the curtain is drawn and closed To God be the glory Rest in Perfect Peace as you join the angels triumphant to sing rock of ages cleft for me Esther Lola Borha
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A SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO MY BELOVED FATHER IN LAW, MENTOR AND FRIEND Our dearest ‘Gradpa', I don’t even know where to begin. The first time I met my father in-law was in early 2002. Before I met him, I was dreading the meeting, and praying that I would be able to satisfy his minimum requirements of a future son-law. When I eventually I met him I didn't even know what to say. But he stood up, called my name and shook my hands. He went out of his way to ensure I felt at home with him. We went on to have an engaging and memorable 'father-son relationship' that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Perhaps my activist background may have made him lower his guard as I came to realize later the passion and devotion he demonstrated in his days as a foremost labour leader in Nigeria and Africa. I felt really blessed to be a son-in-law to such a humble man. I had 15 wonderful years with him and we always understood each other. We never had any conflicts. He was an extraordinarily committed father in-law to me, a great ‘Grand Dad’ to our children and a magnificent and wonderful father to my wife. My wife has had several occasions to recount her very warm and affectionate memories growing up with him as a little girl. He fondly called her 'Etusco' and 'Etuspepe'. He loved and cared for all her needs. I am privileged to have had such a great personality as my father-in-law. In all the years I knew him, I cannot recall a single moment where he raised his voice or complained about anything. From the beginning when I met him, he took me in as his son and I recall his asking me to just 'take a bow' on the day an official introduction was done in his home prior to my engagement to his daughter. According to him, he already knew me and it took his other family members to insist on allowing the conclusion of the usual formalities. Grandpa loved and treasured children as evidenced by his many pictures with them. Assuredly, I believe that our little addition Omokhafe, though only a baby now, will grow to hear and read about him and would be guided by his legacy and heritage. His love and fondness for me was unquestionable. He will smile and talk with me even when he has not done so with anyone for several days and without a doubt Comrade L.L. Borha, as I loved to call him was a very special man whose memory my family and I would continue to cherish and uphold. He is only gone physically but his spirit lives on. We take solace in the wisdom and uncommon sense, love, kindness, forthrightness, integrity and forbearance, all of which he bequeathed to us. And so we say a temporary goodbye to a man we were all fortunate enough to know and a man who has left a rich legacy for his family and friends. Please join me in celebrating the best father-in-law of all time. Rest In Peace Comrade L L Borha Philip And Racheal Ugbodaga
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A TRIBUTE TO GANDPA When I recall my childhood days when my mum will drop my brother and I in your house in Benin.. I looked forward to every holiday because I knew I was coming to spend it with you. It was play unlimited, starting with playing name games (cat and rat), to snacking, and sometimes on special requests you will give us the best of esan traditional dance. In the midst of all these, grandpa never played around with prayers and prayer time. You taught me how to say the 3'o clock Divine Mercy prayers which was said everyday and at night we said the Rosary.You taught us so much about life and prayer life. Which I am still holding firmly to it. Thank you grandpa, we love you but God loves you best. Sleep on Grand Pa till the resurrection morning. Okinbua Grandpa! Barr. Esosa A. Eguavoen
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A TRUE NATIONAL HERO AND PATRIOT HAS DEPARTED That my Uncle, Lawrence Leo Iyoha Borha's passage has effectively ended the glorious and memorable era of active national labour activism, cohesion and unity of purpose cannot now be in doubt. For his, was truly a national struggle that produced positive results leaving in its wake a happy people made proud by labour leaders whose love for country was passionate and sometimes moderately extreme. As a child, he was Papa Benin to me and a host of my other siblings and cousins. Papa Lagos was Late Chief Marcel Anegbode Borha, for me, a legend for all times. My biological father, Adolphus Ogie Eguabor of Blessed memory was simply Dad and sometimes small Papa Benin. Collectively, the three of them played an indelible role in molding and shaping my total attitude till date. As LLB to many, it now seems with the benefit of hindsight, that he lived larger than life in the manner he was often able to be at several places at the same time holding meetings, consultations and keeping appointments all geared towards advancing the cause of labour, human dignity and ensuring the worker was treated with utmost respect. Little did we know then as children the huge influence and monumental admiration he commanded amongst the elites of the world. Back home he was simply the good Popsi and Uncle to all in the house. No matter how long he was away from home, on his return it was amazing how quickly he settled down to catch up with all that had happened in his absence. He only asked questions if he needed to resolve any issues. Not to mention that he was permanently with a book or two to read even while on the road in his numerous trips. His famous Ishan greeting always was ' bi bha do,? Literally, what are guys up to or doing.? Life was abundant. There was always something of interest to go in pursuit of. LLB was a leader of leaders and there was therefore a constant stream of visitors to the house. Unforgettable, were nine years he served as Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources and later Information in the Col. Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia administration in Mid West region and later Bendel state. The achievements of that regime remains till date unassailable and a national reference point for comparative infrastructural and social developments in the country. I recall very vividly, during my vacations, when other Commissioners would come by the house and engage in discussions on end. Among them T. E. A Salubi, O P Edodo, E K Clark, Mokwenyen, Eruaga etc. LLB, it would appear was one of the youngest of the commissioners at the time but clearly his massive acumen, resourcefulness and sheer brilliance made him first amongst equals. Remarkably, I never ever heard LLB raise his voice, not ever. Indeed what left a lasting impression on me was his habit of always huddled and bending over in rapt attention listening to what any one had to say. In my childhood naivety, I had began to assume that his posture at discussions, aforementioned, was synonymous to clear and deep understanding. Not to forget that the class of 66' as the Ogbemudia administration came to be known by, had till date the best and endearing projects flung across the Old Bendel state now Edo and Delta states. Today, labour leaders are the best examples of how not to lead workers. LLB had no house of his own even after serving for many years as Secretary General of the Nigerian Labour Congress and Commissioner in Bendel State for nine years. After the undemocratic overthrow of the General Yakubu Gowon administration in December of 1983, LLB picked up the gauntlet and with the help of friends and admirers put up a modest house in Benin City where he lived until he was called to eternal glory on January 3, 2017. In comparison, Union leaders in today's Nigeria, eat and dine with politicians of opposing parties, have mansions in Lagos, Abuja, London and any city of their choice in the USA. In villages where they are originally from, they erect palaces and fortify the ill gotten wealth with prison like high gates and perimeter fences to drive away thieves and night marauders. They pose as labour leaders but end up billionaires from the toil and sweat of those they profess to lead. LLB has gone to eternal rest. Sick as he was, I have no doubt the state of our nation today, the factionalized labour groups and the political decadence in the name of partisan politics have been his cross to bear. Now he has gone to rest at a ripe old age of 94. The millionaires and billionaires are dying of unknown causes at fifty and below. Uncle, you were the best of whatever you wanted to be. When you could not be a tree you became the little shrub that grew and became an even bigger tree. When you could not be the sun you became the moon and when everything seemed to fail and fall apart you gave succor and hope. Fare thee well for You have run your race. We will miss you till the end of time. Felix Ide Eguabor Snr. For and on behalf of the EGUABOR Nephews.
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My Uncle Mr. Lawrence Leo BORHA is a fine gentleman. Humble and unassuming. I called him Mr, though he is a chief ten times over. He was always ready to help out when your need is genuine, be it financial or otherwise. He abhor quarrels and friction and would go out of his way to bring about peace and reconciliation. He has an arsenal of humours and jokes and would make such jokes to send erstwhile bitter opponents relaxed and smiling. He once told me how he stopped smoking. At one of his many attendance at an International Labour Conference in Geneva. He noticed the utter restlessness of one of his colleagues. He attributed this to the prolonged meeting on that occasion. As soon as the meeting was over, he rushed out with an unusual speed and I followed him just in case he intended something unpleasant to himself. No it was not. His colleagues rushed to a Tobacconist to buy a packet of cigarette. The drama that followed looking for a matches was a different story. My Uncle said he looked in amazement and thought this could be me. That was the last time he smoked a cigarette. Two virtues are unfolded here - a man of strong will character and a caring man. Yes, to me he was a fine gentle man and will always be. ADIEU UNCLE! Elder Joseph Eguabor
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A TRIBUTE TO MY DEAREST UNCLE LL BORHA To a man of honour, a most benevolent man, a selfless man, a true patriot, the last of a great generation. Uncle, Papa Benin, you were father to your children and hundreds more, including me. You led an exemplary life in hard work, patriotism, selfless service and left your mark in the sands of time. Many are pained by the news of your passing. I, am pained by the news of your passing. It is even more painful particularly as you left us just a few weeks after the death of my mother, Cecilia Oyakhilome (nee Borha, or “Osisi” as you fondly called her), your dear younger sister. I pray that you two rest in peace with the Lord. Growing up around you, I put you on a very high pedestal of honour and respect, and you remained there forever. You never did anything to lower my high esteem of you. I shall forever remember you as a remarkable and extraordinary Nigerian. My uncle. My hero. A good man. A kind man. A gentleman. A thoughtful man. A great Nigerian. May God rest your soul sir. Amen. Agatha Uwkenya
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TRIBUTE TO OUR BELOVED DADDY My Papa Benin, my Uncle ,my Dad . How can I describe you! . You were always kind ,loving , and very receptive to all you met and as for me ,you treated me with sincerity like your own son. You always said to me "You are my son like Charles and David (Davido)" People like you are very rare in this world of ours. My Daddy , my papa Benin,you brought me up by asking for me to be relocated from Lagos to Benin to join you and my brothers for my secondary Education. I wasn't surprised as I knew and felt your warmth 'and love towards me as a child growing up in Ikoyi in the late 1960s. My Daddy, I am very grateful for your generosity , words of wisdom ,and advise like a father to a son. You made me feel at home in your household. Thank you for teaching me to pay attention to the importance of values,that relationship should be nurtured , especially that of father and children. When you are at the verge of getting upset with me ,you usually say "come here my friend". That is the code telling me you do not want to get upset with me , I will then adjust accordingly. Papa Ishan would say "if I were you" . My Daddy ,I cannot wipe away my my tears , but I am making the tears that of joy , to celebrate the good aspect of life you made for all that knew you. Rest in the perfect peace of our Lord Jesus Christ. My Daddy ,the one and only LLB of the universe and "God Bless "as you always said. From your beloved son Alexx Borha (Ali Bay)
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TRIBUTE TO CHIEF L. L. BORHA MY UNCLE. I have known you since 1963 in Dancing Hall which was converted out of our present High Couth at Ubiaja as there was no alternative space for such social engagement. It was in a place where dancing was done with a partner using particular fixed steps and movements to particular types of music such as Waltz or Jazz. Your arrival at arena was aesthetic and the dull atmosphere became a place of joy. Even the cripple danced with you including me as a young man then. The very young ones made sure they touch you for record purposes. From this pointing time the enduring relationship continued. At this time our town could still be described as rustic and primitive. Your dancing steps were imported from United State of America, Switzerland and Europe. Uncle you were more than the ordinary. You have been a pace setter, a social elite in Nigeria. In 1964 you came back to contest election to Federal House of Representative which you won though it was not allowed due to Nigeria factor. In this engagement I was involved and it was the foundation of my political consciousness. Uncle, since then you have never let me go. You have since then processed my character unconsciously. Our daily dialogue was part of this socialization process. Uncle you told me how you were a chain smoker and stopped the habit in Switzerland Airport when an old white man ran after the stump of cigarette you had thrown away and started smoking it. This habit you said went too far and any body could be a victim. This is one of the ways you have built my character. Uncle, I remain grateful to you. Uncle L.L. B you became Messiah to Ubiaja when the Headquarter-ship was threatened by political warlords. Uncle, after the military coup you became the Commissioner of Agriculture, information in Bendel State under the leadership of Colonel S. O. Ogbemudia Governor of the State. As trade Unionist you used subtle diplomacy to return all the institutions that were removed by political vendetta. The institutions were Ministry of Agriculture, Public works Department. Ministry of Education, Rural Electrification Board, Built General Hospital in the Town, Cattle Ranch which started producing milk for the inhabitants. Uncle, you also established Rice Mill for the farmers who were growing rice. In the Executive Council you were a star and that was why you had no conflict among your colleagues. You almost removed Exco to Udo Rest House in Ishan where the Annual Budget of the State was prepared and allocation of Resources were made. It was said that you were the best dressed commissioner in the state. Was it true? The best motivating speaker - skill learnt from Trade Unionism. They said you made Esan proud especially Ubiaja. Uncle, despite all our dialogues which was often, we refused to agree on many issues and these were:- Now that I have got my freedom from you I can again ask my usual questions which were not satisfactorily answered. Thus:- 1. Why did you join the Western Block in your Trade Unionism despite your inclination to the Eastern Block? You said the West was closer to Nature and more exposed to Development. 2. What were the motivating factors that encouraged you to have education despite the inhibiting factors? Your knowledge of the English Language was first class. You can read novels of 500 pages within few hours. 3. You were the first young man at Ubiaja to be recruited for the First World War. 4. When people went against you that you were establishing factories and farms on their land instead of building them in the air what else encouraged you to continue? It was your own determination to help your people. As a result you became the best politician that ever lived in Ubiaja. Uncle, you were one thousand years ahead of your time on earth. 5. You were the first Trade Unionist in Ubiaja who became secretary to the Western Block which helped Nigeria to get her Independence in 1960. How did you do it? 6. Why were you always first in all your endeavors - First social elite in Ubiaja. First to own Mercedes Sports car, first commissioner and politician who chose to serve his people instead of cornering their patrimony into your pocket for self glorification. What motivated you to doing this when you knew we were not ready for this? They said you should have built the sky Scrapper on earth to glorify yourself here instead of Heaven where we will live forever. Uncle, who is wiser? You are always winning. Uncle, throughout our togetherness I did not see you quarrel with any body why? Is it that nobody ever offended you? Uncle you gave me some assignments on Oath and asked me to keep them and I promised to keep them, you also gave me chapters and verses in the Bible which I must read in time of crisis and I will not fail because this is the only way now we can communicate. For once let us agree to dialogue on Exodus chapter 3 Vs 14 - 17 “ He can only be likened to the discussion between God and Moses when Moses demanded from God who he would tell the Israelites the person who sent him. The dialogue went thus: ‘I AM WHO I AM’ This is what you are to say to the Israelites. “The Lord, the GOD OF YOUR FATHERS - the GOD of ABRAHAM, JACOB appeared to me and said: I have watched over you and have seen what has been done to you in Egypt. And I have to bring you up out of your misery in Egypt into the land of the Canaanite flowing with milk honey”. And so I have the audacity to claim that you were inspired by God to show us the way. You lived 1000 years ahead of time. Uncle may your gentle soul rest in peace. Adieu Uncle. Sylvester Obeahon
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To say we have lost a precious uncle is an understatement. Papa was a loving and compassionate unifying force in the family. He loved family and many of us are recipients of his love and kindness. There can never be another like him. Our consolation is that PAPA has gone to rest in God’s bosom. We salute you, THE LAST GENERAL in the MOST HONOURABLE GENERATION in the family. Rest in peace. Marcellina & Declan
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A TRIBUTE TO GANDPA When I recall my childhood days when my mum will drop my brother and I in your house in Benin.. I looked forward to every holiday because I knew I was coming to spend it with you. It was play unlimited, starting with playing name games (cat and rat), to snacking, and sometimes on special requests you will give us the best of esan traditional dance. In the midst of all these, grandpa never played around with prayers and prayer time. You taught me how to say the 3'o clock Divine Mercy prayers which was said everyday and at night we said the Rosary.You taught us so much about life and prayer life. Which I am still holding firmly to it. Thank you grandpa, we love you but God loves you best. Sleep on Grand Pa till the resurrection morning. Okinbua Grandpa! Barr. Esosa A. Eguavoen
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A candle was lit in memory.
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TRIBUTE TO GRANDPA I didn't meet any of my biological grandfather's Alice, but Chief LL Borha played the role in an exemplary manner. Grandpa is what we call him , he was always very cheerful and happy to have us around Grand pa was very accommodating, His house at No3 Nwora Street GRA Benin was our holiday home, my self my only sister Esosa, and several other of my cousins would gather there children in grandpa's house sometimes numbered up to 20 but he was always happy to welcome Us; especially me " Lorenzo! How you Been?".... he would say Grandpa midst all the love and care he showed us, he never compromised on discipline. He would spank us when we were naughty and spoil us with snacks and drinks when we are well behaved Grandpa would drive us round GRA in his Blue Peugeot 505. Those holidays always ended in tears, we just simply never wanted to go home. there was never a dull moment with him. Grandpa would play games with us, (cats and rats) teach us history and literature he would continually tell us how the name of his home town "Ubiaza" was corrupted into "Ubiaja" and why he preffered the old name Ubiaza. Grandpa would teach us how to speak ishan, teach us parables in Esan language, most popular one when was " oghenopopaderigo" which he translated to "a spider doesn't fall from its Web!" he usually said this when he misses a step or sneezes. Grandpa made us understand that the most powerful weapon of attack or defence in the world was the Holy Rosary, although grandpa would have prayed all the decades of the rosary quietly in his room during the day, he would still call out to all of us for prayer and to say tge rosary before bed immediately after The NTA network news, he would distribute all his prayer books to us while he leads the prayer and reads the litany by heart. I can go on and on and on.... Grandpa we miss you but I'm sure you are in a better place seated amongst the angels RIP Chief L.L. BORHA RIP Grandpa Suun Re O! Dr. Oghomwen Osagie Lawrence Eguavoen [LORENZO]
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TRIBUTE TO GRANDPA I didn't meet any of my biological grandfather's Alive, but Chief LL Borha played the role in an exemplary manner. Grandpa is what we call him , he was always very cheerful and happy to have us around Grand pa was very accommodating, His house at No3 Nwora Street GRA Benin was our holiday home, my self my only sister Esosa, and several bother of my cousins would gather there children in grandpa's house sometimes numbered up to 20 but he was always happy to welcome Us; especially me " Lorenzo! How you Been?".... he would say Grandpa midst all the love and care he showed us, he never compromised on discipline. He would spank us when we were naughty and spoil us with snacks and drinks when we are well behaved Grandpa would drive us round GRA in his Blue Peugeot 505. Those holidays always ended in tears, we just simply never wanted to go home. there was never a dull moment with him. Grandpa would play games with us, (cats and rats) teach us history and literature he would continually tell us how the name of his home town "Ubiaza" was corrupted into "Ubiaja" and why he preffered the old name Ubiaza. Grandpa would teach us how to speak ishan, teach us parables in Esan language, most popular one when was " oghenopopaderigo" which he translated to "a spider doesn't fall from its Web!" he usually said this when he misses a step or sneezes. Grandpa made us understand that the most powerful weapon of attack or defence in the world was the Holy Rosary, although grandpa would have prayed all the decades of the rosary quietly in his room during the day, he would still call out to all of us for prayer and to say tge rosary before bed immediately after The NTA network news, he would distribute all his prayer books to us while he leads the prayer and reads the litany by heart. I can go on and on and on.... Grandpa we miss you but I'm sure you are in a better place seated amongst the angels RIP Chief L.L. BORHA RIP Grandpa Suun Re O! Dr. Oghomwen Osagie Lawrence Eguavoen [LORENZO]
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A POEM FOR OUR BELOVED FATHER L. L. BORHA - A Lion and a Lamb As bold as a Lion As gentle as a Lamb A humble spirit A fighter of the defenseless A doyen of activism An incorruptible trade unionist A man of integrity A loyal friend A respected patriarch A loving husband A caring father and grandfather Who loved his children deeply and unconditionally You welcomed Sola into the family with open arms Accepted her unquestioning as your daughter You encouraged us to express our views Your life impacted many Your legacy speaks Farewell Papa Benin Farewell We your children arise and call you blessed David & Sola
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TRIBUTE TO OUR BELOVED DAD For the joy you gave, the laughter we shared, for all these and many more we thank God; especially for a life well spent in the service of Family, Man, and God. You will be sorely missed. Your indelible marks in our hearts no one can ever erase or replace. We will continue to rejoice and live in the path you set before us and the wonderful legacies you left behind. Adieu Papa rest in the bosom of Our Lord Jesus Christ. This is goodnight and not goodbye for we know we will meet at the feet of Jesus someday. We rejoice for his grace is sufficient for us. From your beloved Charles and Edel
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