By Abel Kolawole

Madam Agnes Akpometeghore Akpofure is dead. The oldest adherent of the Igbe African Traditional Religion passed on at the age of 98.

Born in February 1918, Akpofure hailed from Kokori in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State.  A grandchild of Ubiesha, she was born into the religious Odje-Ijaro family and was among the three children to be personally named by the Uku Supreme, Ubiesha, her grandfather, who founded Igbe traditional religion who named her Akpometeghore.

Married to the late Chief M. O. Akpofure (SAN) while still at Ondo Boys High School, Ondo, she and her children were left with her mother in law, the late Madam Irese Awharitefe by her husband, who, on graduation from Ondo Boys High School, left her to go to the United Kingdom for further studies.

With no formal education and in the company of two other wives of her husband, Mrs. Agnes Akpofure supported herself and her children, the youngest being Chief Efe Akpofure (SAN) by working as a seamstress and petty trading. A visionary leader with wisdom and foresight, she insisted with her husband to give their children quality formal education.

While awaiting the return of her husband from the UK, she joined the Igbe Traditional Religion alongside her father and meticulously carried out the native worship, ranking next to her father who then was spiritual head of Igbe Worldwide.

As the Emeganase Oboro Nobo of the worldwide African religion sect, Mrs. Agnes Akpofure availed herself of religious ceremonies at the Igbe palace as all officialdom could not be carried out in her absence. A spiritual leader of high repute, she stood for piety, humility, honesty and respect for all peoples.

A great philanthropist and lover of people, she showered assistance on all who came her way especially people in her immediate community particularly to the needy.

Mama Agnes Akpometeghore Akpofure is survived by two children, Prof. Clement Onisuru Akpofure and Chief Efe Akpofure (SAN), FCIArb, grand children, great grand children, great great grand children, brothers and sisters.