Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has paid a condolence visit to the family of the late former Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Solomon Egiator Arase (Rtd), at his residence in Benin City.
The late Arase, who passed away at the age of 69, is being remembered not only for his outstanding service to the Nigeria Police Force but also for the personal support he extended to Governor Okpebholo at the early stages of his political career.
Reflecting on their relationship, Governor Okpebholo described the late Arase as a pivotal figure in his journey to becoming Governor.
“When I first decided to pursue the governorship of Edo State, the very first person I went to see was Arase. I came to his house late at night with General Cecil Isekhaigbe, and we talked. He listened to me patiently and, at the end of the conversation, told me he would support my ambition,” the Governor recalled emotionally.
“To show his support, he took me to meet the Oba of Benin the following weekend. That was the first time I met the Oba, and it was all thanks to him. That meeting became a significant stepping stone in my success. How could I ever forget such a man?”
Governor Okpebholo expressed deep sadness over Arase’s passing, describing it as untimely but affirming that the late IGP lived a life of impact.
“It is unfortunate that he had to leave us at this early stage, but God knows best. What truly matters is how we live our lives. Your husband lived well,” he told the bereaved family, assuring them of the State Government’s full support in the burial arrangements as a mark of honor.
Responding, Junior Arase, the late IGP’s first son, thanked the Governor on behalf of the family for his visit and comforting words.
Commissioner-designate, Kassim Afebua, also paid tribute to Arase’s legacy, noting his transformative contributions to policing in Nigeria, such as pioneering community policing and eliminating roadblocks, which reshaped national security operations.
Governor Okpebholo’s tribute highlights the profound personal and professional impact of the late Solomon Arase, whose legacy endures as both a dedicated public servant and a mentor.
In addition to the condolence visit, the Governor also attended the 10-year remembrance of the late Mrs. Imuegbeyogho Odubu (née Osunde), alongside Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa and other dignitaries.
