Professor Alexander Akpodiete has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of renowned Urhobo music icon and cultural ambassador, Prof. Johnson Adjan, describing his death as a monumental loss to the Urhobo nation, Ughelli Kingdom, and the Nigerian cultural landscape.
In a condolence message, Akpodiete said the late Adjan devoted his life to the promotion of Urhobo language, culture, and values through music, leaving behind a rich legacy that will continue to inspire generations.
According to him, “Prof. Adjan’s contributions to the preservation and propagation of Urhobo cultural heritage through his songs elevated the identity of the Urhobo people and projected the rich traditions of the ethnic nationality beyond the shores of Delta State and Nigeria.
“Prof. Johnson Adjan was more than a musician, he was a cultural institution whose music served as a bridge between generations.
“Through his songs, he preserved our language, documented our history, celebrated our traditions, and instilled pride in the hearts of Urhobo people across the world.
“Ughelli Kingdom has lost one of its finest cultural ambassadors ,his voice resonated in homes, ceremonies, festivals, and community gatherings, reminding us of who we are as a people.
“His contributions to the cultural development of our kingdom can never be forgotten neither be overlooked.
“Though Prof. Johnson Adjan has departed this world, his songs and the values they represent will remain immortal in the hearts of our people. His legacy will continue to speak for him for many years to come.”
“The late music legend used his talent to promote peace, unity, morality, and communal values, to a point that many of his compositions became timeless references within Urhobo communities.”
Prof.Akpodiete particularly highlighted Adjan’s immense impact on Ughelli Kingdom, saying his music brought honour and recognition to the kingdom while serving as a vehicle for cultural education and social cohesion.
While extending condolences to the Adjan family, the people of Ughelli Kingdom, and the entire Urhobo nation, Akpodiete urged the younger generation to emulate the late musician’s commitment to cultural preservation and community service.
He prayed for the peaceful repose of the departed icon and expressed hope that his enduring musical works would continue to serve as a source of inspiration and cultural pride for generations to come.
