The first Military Administrator of the State, Group Captain Ita David Ikpeme (rtd), CON, is dead.
Ikpeme, 89 died after a brief illness.
Thefrontrank reports that Ikpeme was the first Military Governor of Ondo State from February 3, 1976 to July 24, 1978, after it was carved out of the old Western State, during the military regime of General Olusegun Obasanjo.
Ikpeme’s death was communicated to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Wednesday by the family in a letter signed by Iquo Ikpeme.
Aiyedatiwa, while extending his condolences to the family, acknowledged the important roles played by Ikpeme in laying the foundation for the development of the State.
He described Ikpeme as a distinguished statesman, a devoted leader and administrator, and a pillar of his native community in Calabar, Cross River State.
The Governor said that the people of Ondo State would continue to remember the legacy of Ikpeme through his significant contributions to the development of the State as the pioneer leader.
The Governor prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed.
Aiyedatiwa said that the state government would offer the needed support to the family Ikpeme to give him a befitting burial.
