The body of former Senate President Dr. Joseph Wayas, who passed away on November 30, 2021, will be laid to rest on the same date three years later. This announcement was made during a press conference on Thursday in Calabar by Dr. Dorn-Cklaimz Enamhe, Secretary of the Central Planning Committee for Wayas’ burial.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Wayas, who died at the age of 80 in a London hospital, was repatriated to Nigeria on July 10, 2024, after spending over two years in a UK morgue. Born in 1941 in Obanliku, he served as Senate President from 1979 to 1983 during Nigeria’s Second Republic.
Enamhe expressed gratitude to Governor Bassey Otu, members of the “Who is Who in Northern Cross River Forum,” and others involved in bringing Wayas’ body back home. He urged all admirers of Wayas to come together to honor him.
He noted the governor’s commitment that no elder statesman from Cross River who dies abroad would remain in a foreign land, emphasizing the importance of returning remains to their ancestral home.
The committee coordinated with various Nigerian authorities and the Nigerian High Commission in the UK to ensure the authenticity of the body. Enamhe confirmed that Wayas’ wife and children had assessed the body upon its return and verified its identity. The prolonged delay in burial was due to family disputes, which have now been resolved.
Enamhe also thanked the media for keeping the issue of Wayas’ burial in the public eye. According to Mr. Nsa Gil, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, the funeral service will take place at UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar before proceeding to Wayas’ hometown in Bassang, Obanliku Local Government Area, with dignitaries expected to attend, including current Senate President Mr. Godswill Akpabio.
