How I Lost My Father, Uncle While Battling for Edo – Olumide Akpata Breaks Silence

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• From Loss to Determination: How My Father and Uncle’s Passing Changed My Path

Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in Edo State, Olumide Akpata, has announced the passing of his father, Henry Akpata, and his uncle, Sunny Akpata.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that after taking a break from social media since September 2024, Akpata reappeared on Monday, February 24, to explain his extended absence and the personal tragedies he faced during and after the Edo gubernatorial election.

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In a heartfelt message on his verified 𝕏 account, he recalled the loss of his uncle during the election campaign—a loss that left him unable to mourn properly at the time.

“During the gubernatorial campaigns, I suffered a profound personal loss: the passing of my uncle, my father’s immediate elder brother, Dr. Sunny Akpata, one of the persons who shaped my values, and who stood as a second father to me,” he shared. It wasn’t until November 2024 that his family was able to lay his uncle to rest with the dignity he deserved.

Shortly after his uncle’s burial, another tragedy struck when his father, Dr. Henry Akpata, fell gravely ill. Akpata explained that he devoted himself entirely to caring for his father.

“For months, my world narrowed to his care, a sacred duty I embraced without hesitation. Despite our hopes, by the unquestionable will of our Lord and Maker, he departed peacefully on 10th January 2025, surrounded by close family,” he disclosed. He described his father as his steadfast anchor and noted that for 33 years, his father had been his sole surviving parent.

Following a four-month hiatus from public engagements, rumors began circulating some claiming he had “disappeared” after the elections, while others fancifully alleged he was “bought and paid for.”

Addressing these speculations, Akpata clarified, “My hiatus from social media for the past 4 months has understandably sparked discussions and speculations about the reasons for my absence. While some assumed that I simply ‘disappeared’ after the elections, others even suggested—rather fancifully—that I was ‘bought and paid for.’” He emphasized that his retreat was due to family tragedy, not political maneuvering.

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Despite his personal grief, Akpata reaffirmed his commitment to the people of Edo and Nigerians at large, stressing that leadership must be rooted in humanity. “These past months have reinforced a truth I hold dear: that leadership is meaningless without humanity.

I have walked through the valley of personal grief, just as many of you navigate daily struggles—economic hardship, insecurity, and the quiet toll of uncertainty. I see you. I hear you. And I am more determined than ever to stand with you, not merely for you,” he stated.

Looking ahead, he assured his supporters that he would soon resume public engagements with renewed vigor. “As we prepare to celebrate my father’s 84 years of sacrifice, wisdom, and love, I reassure you that very soon, I will resume my public engagement with renewed vigour. As I have in the past, I once again pledge to walk this journey with you, transparently and steadfastly, every step of the way,” he concluded.

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