TOS Benson’s last moment - I’ve lost a worthy partner - Wife

Wale Ajayi, Lagos - 15.02.2008

THE late elder statesman, Chief T.O.S. Benson, was hale and hearty on Wednesday until about 6.00 p.m when he was said to have complained of stomach ache.

Nigerian Tribune gathered that he went upstairs and sat on one of the settees in his living room and placed his leg on his thigh. He was said to have died peacefully in that position at about 6.30p.m.

Chief Benson, who was said to have been a regular caller at the Metropolitan Club, Victoria Island, was said to have visited the club on Tuesday where he spent time with some of his friends.

The late Chief Benson also visited his relations at Ikorodu on Sunday. He was said to have always made it a point of duty to visit his relations every weekend in Ikorodu.

Meanwhile, his wife, Chief (Mrs) Opral Benson, said on Thursday that she had lost a worthy partner. She told newsmen at the family residence in Ikoyi that she thanked God for his life, saying he lived a very good life.

She said "he died peacefully in his house. Everything is in God's hands. To change one's status overnight (to become a widow) is not a good thing. What are men doing about so many widows around them".

The Chairman of the Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE), General Adeyinka Adebayo, described the deceased as one of the key people that fought for the Country's independence.

" He will be missed ", he added. Meanwhile, the extended family of late Chief Benson held a meeting at the late elder \statesman's residence at Ikoyi on Thursday.

It was learnt that the meeting had not decided on the burial date, although it had been resolved that he would be buried in Ikorodu, his hometown.