BY JERRY OMOKRI
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has paid a heartfelt tribute to the departed monarch, the Ohworode of Olomu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Ovie Macaulay Onojomete Popo Ovbagbedia (JP), the Uhurhie-Osadjere II, during the funeral ceremony held in Ughelli South Local Government Area of the state.
Representing the governor, the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor conveyed the governor’s condolences to the people of Olomu Kingdom on the passing of their revered monarch.
Speaking on behalf of the governor, Guwor said: “His Excellency expresses his sincere condolences to the people of Olomu Kingdom and encourages them to continue to live in peace. He further urges them to uphold and imbibe the legacies that His Royal Majesty has left behind.”
Delivering the tribute on behalf of the Olomu people, Olorogun Albert Akpomudje, SAN, FCIArb, the Otota (Traditional Prime Minister) of Olomu Kingdom, described the late monarch as a man of exceptional character and achievement.
“Our great monarch, though born into royalty, never took it for granted. He achieved greatness through hard work, venturing into several trades after his primary education, including teaching, tailoring, music, and the timber business, among others,” Akpomudje said.
He continued: “This tribute would be incomplete without mentioning his successful career in the Nigeria Police Force, which began on 1st October 1952. He rose through the ranks and retired in 1983 as an Assistant Commissioner of Police. After his retirement, His Royal Majesty remained active in various civil and societal organisations.”
The Otota noted that two remarkable legacies stood out during the monarch’s reign: “He successfully reconciled all factions within the kingdom’s traditional council, issuing certificates of recognition and establishing one united traditional institution for the first time in decades. He also initiated a Permanent Palace Project.”
Akpomudje described the late King as “a perfect gentleman per excellence, who led with integrity, humility, and fairness. He never used the throne for personal enrichment. He did not demand money for chieftaincy titles nor pursue companies for contracts. Every decision he made was guided by the conviction that leadership is service to the people, not self.”
Preaching at the ceremony, the Most Rev’d Isaac Obie of the African Church delivered a sermon titled “What is Your Name? Who Are You?” He urged Nigerians to be mindful of the kind of names their actions earn them.
“Everybody has a name, one, two, or three. But in the process of life, you give yourself extra names. Some names are quiet, others loud. The names you create for yourself by your deeds are the ones that define you in society. Strive for a good name,” he said.
Reverend Obie added, “The hope to change a bad name lies in adjusting your ways. How many of you have seen a police officer who lived long, up to retirement, and continued to live honourably? Our father, Ovbagbedia, JP, Uhurhie-Osadjere II, was one. When people saw his photograph, they asked, ‘Was he a policeman?’ Yes, not just an ordinary policeman, but one who rose to a high rank and never oppressed people. He used his office well, which is why he lived peacefully to the ripe old age of 91.”
Also speaking at the event, Hon. Francis Ejiroghene Waive said:
“First, my condolences to the entire Olomu people. This is not a time for crying or mourning. We are celebrating a great life, a life well lived, one that glorified God and served his people. I urge the Olomu people to remain strong.”
