…Tributes For Late Emevor Monarch At Final Passage Rites
By Wilson Macaulay
IT is not only the service personnel that die in active service. Others who participate in trouble shooting can also die in active service in the course of brokering peace. That was the fate of the late traditional ruler of Emevor community, in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State, His Royal Majesty, Johnson Ologho Erieyovwe.
The late monarch died in active service while on a mission to settle the long-standing dispute between Emede and Igbide communities, which he had successful mediated before he tripped and was hospitalized leading to his death.
It was therefore, not surprising that the community was agog with a grand celebration last weekend as dignitaries from all walks of life, traditional rulers and political class, gathered to honor the late monarch, Johnson Ologho Erieyovwe of blessed memory.
The royal father, who passed on to eternal bliss three years ago at the remarkable age of 105, was given his final passage rite in a ceremony marked with the glowing tributes.
The Delta State Chief of Staff, Hon. Prince Johnson Erijo led members of the State Executive Council (SEC), other top government functionaries and the political class to honour the great monarch, whose tenure brought desired development to Emevor. Erijo, who represented Governor Sheriff Oborevwori at the event, delivered the governor’s goodwill message to the people of Emevor Kingdom.
He spoke highly of the late royal father, praising his exemplary life and a custodian of peace and with a fountain of wisdom. According to Hon. Erijo, HRM Johnson Ologho Erieyovwe was a peace ambassador whose wise counsel and leadership will surely be missed in the Isoko nation, across Delta State, and beyond.
The Chairman of Isoko North Local Government Area, Hon. Elder Prince Godwin Ogorugba, in his tribute lauded the late king’s sterling leadership qualities and described him as a rare gem of inestimable value, whose contributions to the Isoko nation will be remembered for generations to come.
Also, the Bishop of Christ Saviour Ministry, Emevor, Bishop Dr. Goddey Okede in his sermon titled: “Where Will You Spend Eternity?” taken from the book of Revelation 20:12, reminded the large congregation at Emehwa Primary School Field of the inevitability of death.
The cleric also eulogized the late monarch for being a God-fearing man, who lived a life of faith and integrity.
The ceremony drew attendance from numerous traditional rulers, including HRM Joseph Emasibeta, the Odiologbo of Oyede Kingdom, and HRH Oba Barr. Olarewaju Ajayi Arilewola II, the Oba of Gbomina Ekiti, Tapa Kingdom and others.
The monarchs, speaking on behalf of their fellow royal fathers, praised the leadership of the late Odion, describing him as a bridge-builder who promoted unity in Isoko nation until his last breadth.
Key figures from Emevor’s traditional leadership also took the stage to pay their last respect. Chief Jonathan Okpubigho, the Ode of Emevor Kingdom, and Chief Smart Ovih, the Ire-Orah of Emevor Kingdom, both speaking on behalf of the Emevor Council of Chiefs, showered encomiums on the late Odion.
The Chairman, Board of Trustees, Isoko Development Union (IDU), High Chief Iduh Amadhe captured the circumstance leading to the death of the late Odion, in his speech as he recalled that the Emevor monarch died in active duty when he was on a peace mission to Emede and Igbide to broker a truce in the communal crises between them. After making peace at lgbide, he missed his steps from a long flying staircase and he fell down, sustained severe injury and was hospitalized at Lilly Clinic “which meant he died in active duty while on a peace mission for the lsoko nation”. To the family and the entire Emevor Kingdom, his death is the ultimate price for the resolution of the Emede – Igbide communal conflict.
Chief Eta Enahoro, a prominent figure in lsoko land also spoke to the press on the enviable life of the late monarch as the President-General of Isoko Development Union (IDU), Prof. Chris Akpotu, expressed admiration for the late royal father, while Rev. David Abiaka, Chairman of the Emevor Christian Association, praised God for the life and legacy of the departed royal father.
Venerable P.O. Ereh, the eldest man in Erieyovwe family, speaking on behalf of the family, gave thanks for the life of HRM Johnson Erieyovwe and his remarkable journey as the grandson of the Ibregbe family who became the esteemed Odion of Emevor Kingdom.
Various community leaders and representatives, including Young Isiorho from Uruloho Street where the late Odion hailed from, shared their heartfelt tributes.
Also, the Alders League Group, represented by Chief Steve Sokoh and Parliament BOG, led by Hon. Barr. Edewor Omonemu and Engr. Joseph Oduoh also shared glowing tributes, just as Sir Mathias Ojarikre, Chairman of the Burial Planning Committee, praised the royal family and the entire Emevor Community for their cooperation in giving the late monarch a befitting burial ceremony.
The incumbent Odion of Emevor Kingdom, HRH Dr. John Holt Ologho, delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of the royal family. He expressed deep gratitude to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and appreciated all the dignitaries and community members who came to honor his late father, HRM Johnson Ologho Erieyovwe.
Meanwhile, the burial was capped with a thanksgiving at Christ Saviour Ministry, Emevor, for a successful passage rites of the late Royal Majesty, HRM Johnson Ologho Erieyovwe.
Bishop Dr. Goddey Okede delivered a heartfelt message titled “Your Good Will Speak for You”, drawing from Isaiah 38:1-8. he highlighted how King Hezekiah’s good deeds led to God’s reversal of a death verdict, urging the kingdom to emulate the late Royal Majesty Johnson Ologho Erieyovwe who lived a life of integrity, honor, and fear of God before passing on to eternal bliss at the age of 105 years.
In his remarks, the Odion of Emevor Kingdom, HRM Dr. John Holt Ologho expressed gratitude to God Almighty, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Hon Prince Johnson Erijo, and all well-wishers for the befitting passage rite accorded his father and the successful thanksgiving service.
He promised to undertake a legacy project in the Church in memory of the late great Emevor Monarch.
