*As Okowa preaches reconciliation

By Festus Ahon, Akpokona Omafuaire & Perez Brisibe

ASABA—THE remains of foremost business mogul and patriarch of the Ibru family, Olorogun Michael Ibru, were, yesterday, laid to rest at his Agbarha-Otor country home, Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State, amidst encomiums and tributes.

The state governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, who spoke during the funeral service held at All Saints Cathedral Church, Ughelli, called for reconciliation among Nigerians in strict compliance with the word of God.

Okowa, who was accompanied by a retinue of political office holders, insisted that reconciliation was very vital for a virile society where love for one another takes precedence.

He said: “We must reconcile ourselves to God and His words. We must continue to pray for peace and find a way to impact on the lives of others,” enjoining the children of the deceased to sustain the legacy of their father.

Noting that the deceased was a nationalist, a great man whose legacy should be sustained, Okowa said: “The best you can do to sustain the legacy of your father is to be humble in what you do and sustain his legacy. It is time to unite and forget the past.”

Primate of Anglican Church, Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh, in his sermon, described the deceased as a national leader, a successful businessman and an educationist.

From right: Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State; Chief Alex Ekwueme, former Vice President, his wife; Chief Edwin Clark and Chief Lawrence Asiegbu.

Okoh told Christians to work towards uplifting the standard of living of others while alive.

In his condolence message to the Ibru family, former Vice President,  Alex Ekwuwme, said: “The Ibru family should be proud that Olorogun Michael Ibru in his lifetime, set up what was perhaps Nigeria’s largest indigenous conglomerate. May his soul rest in peace and rise in glory on the last day.”

On his part, Delta State Commissioner for Finance, Chief David Edevbie, said: “Michael Ibru was an inspirational leader and someone we the young ones looked up to as a leader and to be honest, we have very few of such persons especially in Urhoboland that is very divided.”

On his part, the Isoko South council chairman, Constantine Ikpoko said: “He was a man who lived a fulfilled life at the age of 86. He left a legacy and was a man who was very humble despite his wealth.”

Dr. Ebenezer Okorodudu, said: “His loss is irreparable to the Urhobo nation. Michael Ibru was one of the few world best and greatest ever to live in Urhoboland.”

According to Kenneth Afejuku, “Michael Ibru was a great son of Delta, a brother to everybody and the greatest industrialist Delta State has ever produced.”

Other dignitaries at the event were Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki, Chief Edwin Clark, Chief Frank Kokori, Gen. David Ejoor (retd), Gen. Obada, Gen. Ovadje, Ambassador Akporode Clark, Anglican bishops from within and outside Delta State and a cross-section of chiefs.