Dare Babalola
Former Edo State Permanent Secretary and respected medical practitioner, Dr. Felix Amasihohu Ekhaguere, has died at the age of 84.
A family statement issued on his behalf by his son, Engr. Osaretin Ekhaguere, confirmed that the retired public servant passed away on Monday, June 1, 2026, in Benin City after a brief illness.
Describing his father’s passing, Osaretin said Dr. Ekhaguere lived a life marked by discipline, service, and compassion, noting that he impacted many lives through his work in medicine and public administration.
“My late father was a devoted family man, a distinguished physician, mentor, and friend. He touched countless lives through his wisdom, kindness, and dedication to medicine and to God. He is loyalty personified — responsible and steadfast,” the statement read.
Born on October 26, 1941, in Utoka village in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State, the late Dr. Ekhaguere was born to Mr. Morgan Osarinmwan Ekhaguere of the Asabor family of Ezoti, Ogbe quarters, and Mrs. Grace Ehiarinmwian Ekhaguere (née Imadiyi), both of blessed memory.
A devout Roman Catholic, he was deeply involved in the Knights of St. Mulumba (KSM), where he served as Grand Knight of the New Benin Subordinate Council between 2011 and 2014 and attained the Fourth Degree of the order.
Professionally, Dr. Ekhaguere dedicated more than four decades to public service and medical practice. He served in the Edo State civil service as Permanent Secretary in several ministries, including Health, Agriculture, and Natural Resources.
He also had a distinguished medical career at the Central Hospital, Benin City, where he rose through the ranks from Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist to Senior Consultant and ultimately Chief Consultant. In 1984, he was appointed Medical Director of the hospital, a position he held with distinction.
He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Sweet Madagwa Ekhaguere (née Egbuson), six children — Engr. Osaretin Ekhaguere, Mrs. Adesuwa Ladoja (MD/CEO, Lagos Free Zone), Mrs. Esosa Mohammed, Mr. Ebitimi Egbuson, Mr. Iyare Ekhaguere, and Dr. Osayame Ekhaguere — as well as 12 grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in due course.
