From. Onwa Ekor
Cross River governor, Prince Bassey Otu, has paid glowing tributes to Prof. Ibiang Ewa, describing him as man of discipline and integrity during a lifelong dedication to the service of knowledge and country.
Otu made the remarks in the funeral ceremony of the late academic colossus in his hometown, Ugep in Yakurr local government area of the State
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“It’s unfortunate I’m coming here on behalf of all Cross Riverians to pay homage and my last respect. It’s indeed very painful, especially for an icon like Prof. Ewa.”
“Ewa was a distinguished elder statesman widely respected for his contributions to academia and public service,” Otu said.
Reflecting on the inevitability of death, the governor acknowledged, “It is established that one day all of us will pass away; what is important is what we leave behind.”
“We regret this loss, but we take consolation in the legacy he left behind; it is not about how long we live but about the impact left behind.”
Professor Ibiang Oden Ewa, who passed away on May 11, 2025, at the age of 64, leaves behind a towering legacy built on intellectual rigor, deep historical insight, and a lifelong dedication to the service of knowledge and country.
Throughout his long and illustrious career, Ewa stood as one of Nigeria’s foremost authorities on military history and governance. His contributions stretched across disciplines, geographies, and generations.
The funeral ceremony was attended by the entire political class in the State including elder statesmen, senators and former senators, members of State executive council, assembly members, local government chairmen, community leaders among others.
