The United States of America-based Afenmai World Congress (AWC) sorrowfully bids adieu to Professor Phillip Aigbona Igbafe (84). The renowned University of Benin Professor Emeritus of History, University Orator, a peerless intellectual juggernaut and foremost authority on Nigerian history especially the history of Edo people or Benin empire, passed onto glory early this week.

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Professor Igbafe, a one-time Commissioner for Works and Transport and later Chieftaincy Affairs in Bendel State during the Major General Agbazika Innih’s administration, was an academic colossus and a worthy son of Ayua-Uzairue, Afemailand, Edo State of Nigeria. Students at the University of Benin, Benson Idahosa University and other universities in Nigeria; and the United States of America who studied under his tutelage or read some of his books and erudite articles will forever be grateful for his proficiency, eloquence and intellectual fluidity.

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AWC, Afemailand and humanity will miss him. May God’s angels sing our dear uncle, Professor Igbafe, to his eternal rest in the Lord.

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Dr. David Iyalomhe, AWC President, California.