●Ekhaguere: Distinguished physician, public servant who served Edo for 4 decades
Dr. Felix Amasihohu Ekhaguere, former Permanent Secretary in Edo State Ministries of Health, Agriculture and Natural Resources, has died at 84.
The family, in a statement signed by his son Engineer Osaretin Ekhaguere, said the renowned obstetrician and gynaecologist passed on in Benin on Monday, June 1, 2026, following a brief illness.
“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,” Osaretin stated.
—Four decades of public service—
Born October 26, 1941, in Utoka village, Ovia North East LGA of Edo State, Dr. Ekhaguere served Nigeria with distinction across four decades.
He was appointed Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Central Hospital, Benin City, rising to Senior Consultant and later Chief Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist. In 1984 he became Medical Director of Central Hospital, Benin City.
As a public servant, he later served as Permanent Secretary in the Ministries of Health, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Edo State.
—Devout Catholic, mentor—
A devout Roman Catholic, Dr. Ekhaguere was a member of the Knights of St. Mulumba, KSM, serving as Grand Knight of the New Benin Subordinate Council from 2011 to 2014, and attained the 4th Degree of the Order.
His son described him as “an extraordinary man whose life was defined by grace, perseverance, excellence, and an unwavering commitment to the healing of others.”
—Survived by wife, children, grandchildren—
Dr. Ekhaguere is survived by his wife, Mrs Sweet Madagwa Ekhaguere, six children including Engr. Osaretin Ekhaguere, Mrs Adesuwa Ladoja, MD/CEO Lagos Free Zone, and Dr. Osayame Ekhaguere, and 12 grandchildren.
