By Jimitota Onoyume

Top government appointees, traditional chiefs and community leaders, were among dignitaries, across the Niger Delta region that attended the funeral of Mrs. Akapu-Ere Akpodubakaye, Nee-Ekponimi, mother of the immediate past Vice Chairman Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, Chief Arthur Akpodubakaye, in Ogbe-Ijoh, headquarters of Warri South West LGA on Thursday.

Chief Akpodubakaye, the first son of the deceased, expressed profound gratitude to all who came to honour his mother’s sweet memories and also celebrate a life well-lived.

Speaking in an emotion-laden tone at the event, he said : “Our mother was compassionate, a disciplinarian, a philanthropist who dedicated herself to her family, community and Christianity.
Her legacy will forever be cherished”.

He spoke further saying he “won’t question God, because there are things you accept as they come.

“The family would continue to remember Mama for the care, advice and the wisdom as well as the fear of God she impacted on us all.

“We lost Mama but I rejoice because I know heaven has gained an angel. You were a mother to all. You were strict yet loving. Your love and wisdom you impacted on us will continue to guide us. We will never forget you as you depart to be with the Lord.”

Also commenting on the life and times of the late matriarch of the Akpodubakaye, the officiating clergymen eulogized the sterling qualities and discipline she exhibited in her life time, stressing that “she lived a life worthy of emulation”.

They said since death is inevitable, they had no regrets because Mama Akpodubakaye lived a worthy life, having lived to the ripe age of 84 years.

“We are not aggrieved by her death, because Mama was able to educate, nurture and care for her children with wisdom, discipline and the fear of God..” the clergymen said

“To the children, you have a wonderful caring mother and a woman of faith for whose sake we have gathered here for her funeral service.”, they added.

Former Commissioner for Trade and Industry, Bayelsa State, Hon. Dr. Stanley Braboke, in a tribute extolled the virtues that the late Madam Akpodubakaye left behind urging the children to remain united and continue to exhibit her good legacies.

Hon. Boro Opudu of Isaba kingdom prayed that the children of late Mama Akpodubakaye should live longer than their late mother just as he called for sustained unity and love among them.

Ijaw Youth leader, Barr. Eric Omare remarked that “Mama gave birth to responsible and loving children who have made their impacts in the society and excelled in all facets of life”.

He urged the children to emulate the good legacies their mother left behind with the fear of God.

Eric Omare who also commented on the raging political crisis in Rivers State submitted that “the state of emergency imposed on Rivers State coupled with the suspension from office of Governor Siminalayi Fubara was unjustifiable and unconstitutional, and should be reversed as soon as possible”.

“We will continue to express our grievances and rejection of this aberration by the Federal Government of Nigeria led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu”, Eric Omare stated.

Also, a prominent Ijaw leader, General Godday Smith, the Agadagba III, Bounanawei, Pere of Ijaw Mein kingdom said that the Ijaws are formidable and courageous people and urged them to be focused and continue the struggle for good governance and peace in the land, stressing that they won’t give up in spite of the prevailing situation in Nigeria.

High Chief Benjamin Ekeremor, a leader in the Niger Delta said that Ijaws were dogged people with strong determination, adding that they were not distressed or discouraged by the current event that unfolded in Rivers State. He noted that they would continue to speak against injustice and oppression of the Ijaw people.

Hon. Favour Zuokumor, member representing Ijaw Ethnic Nationality on the Board of the Delta State Oil Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) also paid glowing tributes to late Mama Akapu-Ere Akpodukabaye during the occasion.