Engr. Dr. Peter Aiyevbekpen Otubu, 67, beloved husband, cherished father, adored grandpa, darling brother, loyal brother-in-law, loved uncle, and esteemed retired senior lecturer of Power Systems Engineering passed away on February 16, 2024 after a long illness.
Peter is survived by his loving, amiable wife Helen (Woghiren) Otubu. He was the proud father to Kings Otubu (Lauren,) Owen Otubu (Tracy,) Barrister Cynthia Otubu (Eghosa Iguodala,) Dr. Eghosa Otubu all of Boston, Massachusetts, and Osamuyi Otubu of Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Peter is survived by three brothers. He was the cherished in-law of the Woghiren Family.
Our dad was most recently a resident of Boston, but originally hailed from Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. He was born in Benin City, Nigeria to the late Imade Iyekepolor and the late Evbighadeva Otubu. He lost his dad at the age of 3 and was fortunate to be blessed by God with intelligence and determination.
Our dad began his educational career at Apostolic Primary School Igbesamwan Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria and finished with distinction. With the adverse circumstance of not having anybody to sponsor him through his secondary education, he attended ICE education for two years, and was then able to write his senior school certificate exams and pass with merit. This afforded him the admittance into Auchi Federal Polytechnic. His continued persistence allowed him pursue his education without a sponsor, and at the same time, his strong determination drove his desire to provide for his growing family by working at the Edo Broadcasting Service.
After graduating, he joined the Bendel State University (now known as Ambrose Alli University) in Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria. He started his career as a Technologist, and with hard work, he rose to the position of a Senior Lecturer, which he held until his retirement. Our dad valued education and worked tirelessly to obtain his Ph.D in Power Systems Engineering. He was the first in Edo State to soar in his field and perform that type of research, which made the then Oba of Benin, Omo n'Oba n'Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Erediawa recognized him at his Palace.
During his time at Ambrose Alli University he worked selflessly as a vibrant union chairman of the Senior Staff Association. In this role, he helped his fellow workers negotiate pay increases and receive other benefits packages they deserved. His efforts earned him the title as the Vice President of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities South South Zone and he continued to fight tirelessly for the cause of the Nigerian University workers.
For his love of education, he made sacrifices to ensure all of his children were well-educated. He instilled his deep-seeded value of education in his children, who all went on to earn advanced degrees. Our dad’s love for family can not be quantified, and he made sure his family always came first in anything he did.
Another pillar in our dad’s life was his devotion to God. He was a devout Catholic who led a virtuous life and was a role model to everyone around him. He attended St. Christopher’s Parish in Dorchester prior to his illness. At St. Christopher’s Church, he served as an enthusiastic Eucharistic Minister. In Nigeria, he was a celebrated and devoted member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Benin City, Nigeria. His faith in Christ encouraged him to embrace and overcome any adversity in which he was faced, and also allowed him to appreciate the opportunities that life afforded him. He lived by one of his favorite Bible Psalms 142:8, “Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth."
Our dad’s most prized title was “Grandpa.” Grandpa is survived by 14 grandchildren, who will carry on his name, as well as his deep values of family, education and religion.
Visitation will be on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at St. Christopher’s Church in Dorchester, MA at 10:00-10:30 AM followed by a funeral mass. Burial to follow at Fairview Cemetery in Hyde Park, MA. The family welcomes all family and friends to honor and celebrate the life of our father Engr. Dr. Peter Aiyevbekpen Otubu at the Peoples Club of Nigeria International following the funeral services.
During the Lenten season in the Catholic Church, elaborate, decorative flowers are prohibited from being used inside churches, so please, in lieu of flowers, consider donating to a charity that you hold dear in honor of Engr. Dr. Peter Otubu.