The corpse of foremost industrialist and philanthropist, Dr Iyayi Efionayi (MFR), has arrived Nigeria from France in preparation for burial.
The deceased’s eldest son, Dr Caesar Osaheni-Iyayi, received the corpse at the Benin airport in Edo State on Monday.
Iyayi died in France on Thursday, October 11 while in transit from the United States of America where he went for medical check-up.
Caesar, who described his late father as a man with very good heart, said that he died at the age of 87, was survived with three wives and 18 children.
According to him, one of his father’s legacies is the number of lives he touched positively, “which made him a great Benin man.”
Caesar described his late father as a hardworking man, who invested both in human capacity and infrastructure for the development of Edo State.
In a condolence message sent to the family, Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, said “Dr. Iyayi led a humble and great life that is worthy of emulation. He was a trailblazer on so many fronts; in business, philanthropy and community service.
“He created jobs for thousands of Edo people and residents and supported the church and the less-privileged in several ways. His passing is a great loss to the state and our great country.”
Former House of Reps minority Chief Whip, Samson Osagie, described the late Iyayi as “one of the best men ever to live on the planet earth.
“Pa Iyayi created jobs for thousands of Edo people and residents and supported the church and the less-privileged in several ways. His passing is a great loss to the state and our great country.
“He was a God-fearing man, whose legacies will continue to remain in the annals of the entire Benin Kingdom.”
Iyayi’s burial is slated to take place in his country home in Egba, Uhunmwode Local Government Area of Edo, on a date to be announced by the family.
