Bossu Pays Tribute to Late Frank Erewele, Describes Him as a Rare Leader of Conviction and Integrity

Kingsley Ohens reporting

Ambassador Isesele Kelvin Aigbokhan-Bossu, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Bossu Concepts Marketing and Distribution LLC, West Africa, has paid glowing tribute to the late Chief Barrister Frank Erewele, fondly known as The Okafi of the Universe, describing him as an exceptional leader whose legacy of courage, integrity, and unwavering convictions continues to inspire generations.

Speaking during activities marking the remembrance of the late statesman, Ambassador Bossu joined family members, friends, associates, and admirers in celebrating the enduring impact of a man he said embodied principled leadership and uncommon loyalty.

According to him, the late Erewele was a leader who made difficult decisions based solely on his convictions rather than public sentiment or political convenience.

“He was never driven by mob opinion or popular applause. His decisions were rooted in personal conviction, and he remained steadfast regardless of criticism or pressure. Loyalty meant everything to him, and he never compromised his conscience for temporary gains,” Bossu said.

He further described the late Okafi as a dependable leader whose consistency inspired confidence among those who worked with him.

“He valued sincerity, hard work, and vision above flattery. He recognized genuine effort and had little regard for sycophancy. Anyone who had him on their side could rest assured that he would never abandon a just cause because of changing public opinion. His word was his bond, and he believed that an agreement should always remain an agreement,” he added.

Bossu noted that the leadership vacuum created by Erewele’s passing remains difficult to fill, saying his principles and steadfastness distinguished him from many of his contemporaries.

Recalling a personal encounter with the late leader, Ambassador Bossu shared what he described as one of the most valuable pieces of advice he ever received from Erewele.

According to him, the late statesman encouraged him never to support individuals or causes merely because they were popular, but to remain guided by truth, conviction, and conscience.

“He advised me not to join the crowd in praising anyone unless I was genuinely convinced. He reminded me never to make partisan politics a means of livelihood because doing so could force one to betray personal convictions. Those words have remained a guiding principle in my life,” Bossu recalled.

Reflecting on the advice, he said true leadership is built on sincerity rather than personal interests or purchased opinions.

“Not every popular opinion represents honesty. Many are driven by selfish interests or personal benefits. Genuine decisions are born from sincere conviction, not from influence or inducement,” he stated.

Ambassador Bossu also recounted his earliest encounter with the late Erewele, which he described as a defining moment in his life.

He recalled representing Victorious Group of Schools, Eidenu, Irrua, at the 2002 South-South Cowbell Mathematics Competition held at Emotan Girls Secondary School in Benin City while Erewele served as Commissioner for Education.

Bossu emerged as the first runner-up in the competition and was personally recognized by the late Commissioner, who presented him with an award as one of the outstanding students.

“That recognition remains one of the proudest moments of my early academic journey. It was my first meeting with the late Okafi, and I later learned that he was from Esan Central Local Government Area. His encouragement inspired me to pursue excellence,” he said.

He urged younger generations and leaders across society to emulate Erewele’s virtues of courage, selflessness, integrity, and commitment to humanity.

“The late Okafi lived an impactful life and left behind remarkable accomplishments worthy of emulation. Those of us privileged to know him and learn from him have a responsibility to uphold the values he stood for,” Bossu said.

He concluded by praying for the peaceful repose of the late leader and asking God to continue to strengthen his family as they cherish the memories of a man whose life, he said, remains a shining example of principled leadership and service.