Calabar, Cross River State – The late Dr Joseph Wayas, former President of the Nigerian Senate, who passed away on November 30, 2021, will finally be laid to rest on November 30, 2024, three years after his death.
The announcement was made by Dr Dorn-Cklaimz Enamhe, Secretary of the Central Planning Committee for the Burial of Wayas, during a press briefing in Calabar on Thursday.
Wayas, who died at the age of 80 in a London hospital, was brought back to Nigeria on July 10, 2024, following over two years in the United Kingdom.
According to Enamhe, the delay in repatriating and burying Dr Wayas’ body stemmed from family disagreements and logistical challenges. These issues have since been resolved, allowing the burial to proceed as planned.
During the briefing, Enamhe expressed gratitude to Cross River Governor Bassey Otu, the Who is Who in Northern Cross River Forum, and other key supporters for their efforts in bringing Wayas’ body back to Nigeria.
Enamhe also called upon admirers and Nigerians to join in honouring the former Senate President and reflecting on his legacy.
He further noted that Governor Otu has assured that no elder statesman from Cross River would be left in a foreign land upon their passing, promising to return their remains to their homeland.
Addressing questions on the authenticity of the remains, Enamhe confirmed that multiple agencies in Nigeria and the Nigerian High Commission in the UK were involved in verifying Dr Wayas’ identity. “His wife and children assessed the body critically and confirmed it was their father,” he said.
Chief Press Secretary to Governor Otu, Mr Nsa Gill, provided additional details, confirming that the funeral will begin with a ceremony at the U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar before proceeding to Dr Wayas’ hometown in Bassang, Obanliku Local Government Area, for final interment. Dignitaries, including current Senate President Goodwill Akpabio, are expected to attend.
Born in 1941 in Obanliku, Cross River, Dr Joseph Wayas served as President of the Senate from 1979 to 1983 during Nigeria’s Second Republic. His legacy as a dedicated public servant and elder statesman continues to be remembered.