Former president of the World Medical Association (WMA), Dr. Osahon Enabulele, yesterday said the legacy of Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, is worthy of preservation for posterity.
He has showered encomium on the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, describing him as “an icon of the universe.”
Enabulele spoke at the palatial residence of Chief Igbinedion while on a visit to join the nonagenarian in celebrating his 90th birthday.
Dr. Enabulele said: “You’re not just an icon of the black race but you’re an icon of the universe. You are beyond Africa. You’re a man who is known severally abroad. We’re here to felicitate with you on the momentous occasion of your 90th birthday. I bring you greetings from physicians all over the world.
“From all our friends and well wishers from across the country and from across the world. This is just to say thank you sir for all you have done for us. You have conquered the whole world. There’s nothing more to say about you. We thought we should come and thank you, particularly for what you have done for us, your children, your grandchildren and great grandchildren.”
Enabulele recalled that the hands of fellowship that Chief Igbinedion extended to him was of utmost importance when he was on assignment as the president of the World Medical Association (WMA).
“I want to put it on record that during my tenure as the President of the World Medical Association (WMA) the Esama was the only one that pre-eminently supported me. It was the Esama that gave me all the support. He was my bulwark. He was my strength. For instance, he opened the doors of ITV/Radio it was seen all over the place.
“It was totally amazing. I did not pay a kobo. Let that be on record. Esama said: ‘Take it. It’s your television station. Use it the way you want to.’ I was so impressed, I was so amazed. It was phenomenal. I am sure a lot of people need to know this. When I had challenges with the government I never had any with the Esama of Benin Kingdom.
“He was always there to give you a hand of support and everything.
I want to thank you sir. I will continue to appreciate you eternally. For as long as God gives us the grace of life we will continue to showcase all what you have done not only for us but for the entire universe.
“You’re a pioneer in several respects. Somebody was saying yesterday that Daddy is phenomenal. That even before Nigeria started thinking of certain things he was already thinking far ahead. Is it private intervention in education? Is it private intervention in development of health systems?
“What can you think of? Somebody thought about it many years ago. It is now that we’re thinking about it. That shows the gift that you have. That shows the kind of natural endowment that our Papa has. You’re uncloneable. You cannot have two of Esama. It’s not possible.”
Accompanying Dr. Enabulele on the visit were top medical practitioners and some society bigwigs.
