John Odhe, YENAGOA
It was a moment of glowing tributes as friends and relatives accompanied the deputy governor of Bayelsa State, Dr. Peter Akpe to bury his late nonagenarian aunt, Madam Adagba-ere Ekperiwarebo, nee Akpe at Ayamasa community in Ekeremor Local Government Area of the State.
The coastal community was alive at the weekend as crowds of sympathizers joined the deputy governor, in bidding farewell to his deceased aunt.
A statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the deputy governor, Mr. Doubara Atasi, said several serving and former top government officials including one-time deputy governor, Peremobowei Ebebi paid their last respect to the deputy governor’s aunt.
Others were the Head of Service, Mr. Wisdom Ebiye Sawyer, members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, commissioners and local government chairmen who paid tributes during the colourful funeral ceremony.
In his remarks at a reception in honour of the deceased, the deputy governor expressed gratitude to God for the very impactful life his departed aunt led, describing her as a good and kind-hearted woman.
Akpe, who equally appreciated everyone who came from far and wide to honour the memory of the late matriarch, prayed God to grant them long life that would call for celebration.
Speaking on behalf of the Ayamasa community, Thompson Amule, noted that the gathering was not to mourn the departed nonagenarian, but to celebrate the life and good legacies she led.
Amule, who is the commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, described the deceased as a generous, loving and God-fearing woman who would be remembered for her generosity and acts of kindness.
The late Adagba-ere Egberiwarebo, who passed on at the ripe age of 90 in April this year, was a devout and committed Christian and leader of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ayamasa community.
She is survived by three biological children, several grand- and great-grandchildren, and two siblings including the father of the deputy governor, His Royal Highness Agadabiri John Akpe, the Amananaowei of the Ebedebiri Federated Community in Sagbama Local Government Area of the state.
Ijaw music maestro, Izonebi Alfred, gospel artiste Youkere-ere, among other entertainers thrilled guests at the event.
The chairman, Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Majesty, King Bubaraye Dakolo, service commanders including the Assistant Inspector GenerAbubakar Zubairu, Zone 16 Yenagoa, and the Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa Command, CP Daniel Iyamah.
