On this day in 2010, the rank of Nigeria’s founding fathers was depleted further when Nigeria's foremost journalist, anti-colonial and pro-democracy activist, Chief Anthony Eromosele Enahoro died in his sleep at age of 87.
Chief Enahoro whom many Nigerians regarded as the “Father of Nigeria State”, died after a protracted battle with diabetes at his GRA residence in Benin City, capital of Edo State Nigeria.
On November 1, 2010, Chief Enahoro was admitted at the intensive unit of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, UBTH, and was discharged two weeks later. He died in the early hours of Wednesday December 15, 2010, barely one week after the people of Edo State lost their First Lady, Mrs. Clara Oshiomhole.
The incident further compounded the sorrow of Nigerians particularly the people of Edo State. When the news circulated, several shops and businesses closed down as that was the first time in the history of Edo State that two personalities would die in just a week. Incidentally, Chief Enahoro was from the same Edo Central senatorial district where Mrs. Oshiomhole also hailed.
A family source informed the newsmen that Chief Enahoro slept without any complaint on Tuesday night but that at about 4 a.m, the children went to see him in his room after they heard his voice. It was discovered that he was not breathing well, and was struggling for breath. After they tried to help him, he informed them that he needed to rest. And shortly after that he clapped his hand like he was in deep prayers, thereafter he laid down on the bed and gave up the ghost.
Chief Enahoro, the first child of twelve siblings was born on 22nd July 1923. He made a great impact on the press, politics, civil service and the pro-democracy movement during his time. In 1953, he moved the motion for Nigeria’s independence in the floor of House of Representatives and it became a reality on October 1, 1960.
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