There is something about him that registers in your very first contact with him and would not go away. That thing is difficult to define, but it remains there. Then you continue to encounter him, and that thing continues to grow. At a point, you get confused. Is it his brilliance, or is it his articulation?

Is it his humility, or is it his aura? Is it his drive or is it his awesome creativity? Now you think you know, and now you are not sure you know. He is such a complex entity, wrapped in simplicity. That was the Prince l knew, the Emeka Betty brought our way a couple of years ago.

He was our in law, nay, our brother, our son and our friend, all rolled into one. The Prince was an extraordinary homosapien. Very easy to relate with, yet always a riddle, difficult to unravel, Emeka, the Prince! Not sure whether his writing or his oral presentation would be preferred in a debate on contemporary issues.

Any or both would hold you spellbound. Sound in logic and a wordsmith. Deep in dialectics but very simple to comprehend. That was my Prince.

A Nigerian patriot, yet an unapologetic critic of Nigeria. A detribalized Nigerian, yet a passionate lbo man. Friend of every tribe, yet an arch enemy of all bigots. Loves his Christian faith but with enough space in his oversized heart for all denominations. A very peaceful lover of peace.

That was my Prince. Not afraid of war or engagement, he loves and enjoys it. To get the best out of a conversation, he deliberately creates disturbances in your mind. That was him.

Great men do not die. Our Prince is alive, hurrah!! We will meet again in the luxury of the kingdom of eternity.
Prince Emeka Obasi, for now, adieu!!

Tunde Lakoju