Former Senate Deputy President in the Third Republic, Albert Legogie, is dead.
Legogie, according to a statement, died on Monday around 4pm at a private hospital in Benin, Edo State. He was aged 65.
The eldest son of the late Senator, Victor, said his father died in a private hospital after a brief illness.
Speaking with our correspondent at the family residence in Benin, Victor said his father did not have any serious health challenges before his death.
He said, "He had a light bout of malaria and was taken to the hospital and he recovered and was fine. He came home to recuperate but suddenly, the malaria came again and he had to be rushed back, unfortunately passed on. He died within a week of the illness."
Victor said the family would consult with relevant authorities before making an announcement.
He said, "You know he was a man of many parts, so making a burial arrangement, we have to consult with a lot of people; we have to talk with the National Assembly and know what role it might want to play. We have to also talk to the state government and see what role it will also want to play. Then the family now comes together and make a final decision and put programme together."
The news of the late politician's death led to shutdown of economic activities in Etsako Central Local Government Area, where he hailed from, even as council chairman, Emmanuel Momoh, announced the suspension of activities withing the council area, in Legogie's honour.
Condoling with the family, Momoh said the shutdown was in honour of the late senator, saying, "the council will ensure that his legacy and ideals are sustained."
Member representing Etsako Central in the state House of Assembly, Johnson Oghuma, expressed shock at the death of the former Deputy Senate President, describing him as a gentleman.
He said Legogie's contribution to national development would remain indelible.
The Punch
So many people just keep dying nowadays and it's not even normal anymore. May his soul rest in perfect peace.