HRH Great Prince Anthony
Aloysius Hosu Senu has died. He was aged 100 years old. HRH Great Prince
Anthony Aloysius Hosu Senu of Wémè Kingdom, Benin passed away peacefully at his
home in Akarakunmoh, Badagry on October 8, 2015.
Prince Anthony was born on December 15, 1914
in Akarakunmoh, Badagry to late Great Prince Senu Kojoh and his wife Tamen. He
graduated from the Roman Catholic Missionary School in Topo Island, before
being enlisted into the Nigerian Army at the age of 26.
Soon after the Second
World War, Great Prince Anthony moved out of Akarakunmoh and into Ebute-Metta,
where he lived for most of his adult life before returning to Akarakunmoh at
the age of 92.
While in Ebute-Meta,
Lagos, he worked as a Clerk at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, in
April 1978, to become a Maintenance Officer with the Lagos Mainland Local Government
Area in Surulere. After 45 years of working, he retired as a civil servant in
March 1994.
Prince Anthony was an active and dedicated
member of St Paul’s Catholic Church in Ebute-Metta, Lagos. He pioneered fundraising
for the poorest in the local community. He also established SS Peter & Paul
Egun Club at St Paul’s Catholic Church.
Although he was the Heir Apparent of Wémè
Kingdom after the death of the King, he chose to abdicate the throne in order
to have a closer relationship with God just like his father had done.
However, in recognition of
his status as Heir Presumptive, His Majesty Houenon Videkon II of Wémè Kingdom
officially ascribed him the title of ‘Great Prince’ – an esteemed title he kept
secret from his family and friends until the final years of his life.
Great Prince Anthony
enjoyed fishing and socialising with family and friends. He was very
hardworking, and throughout his adulthood funded the apprenticeships and
education of young Badagrians who came from Akarakunmoh to Ebute-Metta.
These young men have gone
on to have very long and fruitful careers in medicine, business and
engineering.
Even in his later years,
Great Prince Anthony continued in his service to God becoming a foundation
member of the Ilaje Basic Christian Community and worshipping at St Joseph’s
Catholic Parish Church in Akarakunmoh till his death.
He is the loving husband
of late Gozenmenu Senu, late Elizabeth Abosede Senu and late Martina Senu. He
is survived by his six sons Luke; Oluwafemi; John; Augustine; Peter; and Paul;
and five daughters Modupe; Margaret; Veronica; Antonia; and Paulina. All of his
daughters and four of his sons live in Lagos, Nigeria, while one son lives in
London, United Kingdom. He is also survived by 30 grandchildren and many
great-grandchildren.
To many in the community,
Great Prince Anthony was a humble, God-fearing man, who was full of humour and
loved playing with his grand-children. Although he had a reputation as a
disciplined man who did not tolerate injustice, he was a loving husband,
father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend who will be greatly missed by
all who knew him.
Rest in peace baba.
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