By Gabriel Enogholase

BENIN-A farewell parade was jointly mounted, Thursday, at the Benin Airport, by a detachment of officers and men of the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force and Nigerian Army in honour of the former Military Vice- President, late Admiral Augustus Aikhomu.

Widow of the late Admiral Aikhomu, Rebecca, closely followed by other members of family, walked behind the hearse bearing the body during the farewell parade.

The body of the late former Vice-President, which arrived at the Benin Airport at 1.20pm aboard a Nigerian Air Force Hercules Plane, was received by the Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ola Ibrahim and other top military and Police officers.

Also at the airport to witness the ceremony were former Foreign Affairs Minister, Chief Tom Ikimi; former Edo State Governor, Chief Lucky Igbinedion; Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, Air Vice Marshall Anthony Okpere (rtd), Senator Ehigie Uzamere, Prince Tony Omoaghe, family members and other associates of the late Admiral Aikhomu.

The hearse, bearing the remains of the late former Military Vice-President which was draped with the Nigerian Coat of Arms and four stars in recognition of his status as an Admiral, later left Benin for Irrua in a motorcade, where he would be buried today.

Today’s burial rites at his home town Irrua, is expected to be witnessed by dignitaries from all walks of life with a federal delegation expected to be led by Vice-President Namadi Sambo.