-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –From Michael EKOKORUWE:
The remains of the Odiologbo of Irri kingdom, HRM Joshua F.D. Aghagba, was finally lied to rest at the weekend amidst eulogies from the Delta State government, political and prominent leaders of Isoko nation, held at Irri secondary school, Isoko South local government area of Delta State.
Speaking to newsmen, the Commissioner for Transport Delta State, Hon. Ovie Oghore, the President General Isoko Development Union, Professor Chris Akpotu and the patron Isoko Development Union, High Chief Iduh Amadhe described the monarch as a peaceful man within the period of his reign as monarch of Irri kingdom.
“He gave much to ensure the sustainability of peace and love over Irri kingdom and other Isoko communities just as he never compromised crisis in the area”.
“The monarch attracted development to Irri kingdom through his peaceful disposition even as the Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa approved the Technical College under construction within the period of his reign in Irri kingdom”.
“He was a great leader that brought unity to all the villages of Irri kingdom and mobilised them for progress and development. The royal majesty had unbiased relationship with other traditional rulers of Isoko ethnic nationality,” they said.
On his part, the President General of Irri Federal Union, Chief Adonis Obuweri, urged Irri people to embrace peace and emulate the monarch’s peaceful nature.
While commending Governor Okowa for Irri Grammer School road, completed during the monarch’s reign, Chief Louis Okogba, a member of Irri Council Of Chiefs urged the people to remain peaceful and live together, adding that Irri kingdom never witnessed crisis throughout the reign of the royal majesty.
He urged the Regeant of Irri kingdom, His Majesty Prince (Dr.) Joseph Aghagba to emulate his father’s peaceful nature and take decisions at the right time towards the development of the kingdom, noting that procrastination and distraction brings retrogression.
While describing the monarch as generous and kind during the outing service held at the Church of the Transfiguration Irri, Diocese of Oleh, Anglican Communion, the Vicar, Uzuazoghene R. Emamezi Esq. reiterated the peaceful disposition of the royal majesty in his life time.
Prince Aghagba flanked by other children of the monarch and accompanied by Isoko traditional rulers council, friends and relatives thanked God in a special thanksgiving service to commemorate the passing out of the monarch.
While describing the monarch’s exit as glorious, the Regeant commended Governor Okowa, members of the state executive council, the legislature, the judiciary, deputy governor’s office, local government of Isoko South and North, individuals, sons and daughters of Irri kingdom and Isoko people for celebrating with Aghagba family over the demise of the monarch.
He thanked God for fair weather throughout the week – long celebration that featured various activities that culminated into a carnival as people from all walks of life gathered to bid farewell to the royal majesty.
Prince Aghagba said, the monarch lived for 105 years and prayed for peace and progress of Irri kingdom, noting that the success of the ceremony shows the monarch’s good legacies that he left behind and prayed that the remaining two years period of the regeancy be peaceful and successful as well.
In attendance was Hon. Ferguson Onwo and Hon. Kenneth Ogba, both members representing Isoko South constituency 1 and 2, Delta State House of Assembly; the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of DESOPADEC, Bashorun Dr. Askia Ogieh; Hon. Ovie Oghore, Commissioner for Transport Delta State; Hon Churchill Amagada, Commissioner for Lands and Survey Delta State; Chief Ovuozorie Macauley, D. G. Warri -Uvwie Development Agency; Hon. Victor Asasa, Chairman Isoko South local government.
Others are Isoko Traditional Rulers Council led by the Chairman, HRM Anthony W. Ovrawah Omogha 1, the Odiologbo of Oleh kingdom, HRM Oba Barr. Rufus Olarewaju – Ajayi, Oba of Gbomina – Ekiti Tapa kingdom, Hon. Ross Uredi, Hon. Mike Edegware, Hon. Christian Iteire, Chairman Isoko North local government area amongst other people from all walks of life.
Members of Emevor Progress Union (EPU), Asaba branch, led by Sir Ukpedor were also in attendance.
