Encomiums trail Uzere Warlord

...as he's laid to rest

Uzere kingdom, in Isoko South council area of Delta state was agog with festivities on Saturday, June 23, as the people laid to rest Chief Bishop Eviehereme, the Oletu-Ode (defense minister) of the kingdom. 

The deceased, until his death remarkably on his birthday, April 10, 2018 was head of the Edio-Emuzo (king makers), as well as an active participant in the affairs of the traditional stool.

Uzere monarch and wife, HRH Godpower Okpigbe Udubrakpo the Odiologo of Asiba Ellu, Gen. Ogomudia and other chiefs at the palace.

Giving his tributes to "Ode", as he was fondly called, the king of Uzere, HRM Henry Etuwede lll, described him as "a worthy ambassador."

"You never allowed tradition to be adulterated, changed or thrown away. You were never weary with your traditional functions despite your ill health, until your departure," the monarch said.

Traditional dance for the Oletu-ode.

The children of the Warlord were not left out in commentaries about their father.

The first son, Othuke Bishop penned the father as one with "a large heart, who believed in transparency and ever stood on the side of equity and justice." He added that the support of their father will be greatly missed.

While the first daughter, Mrs. Onome Eniwezi said she will miss the "fatherly advice, love and care."

Late Chief Eviehereme was aged 65 and is survived by two wives, Mrs. Rhoda and Mrs. Justina Bishop; two sons, four daughters and several grandchildren.

Meanwhile, in a statement by the council of chiefs, which was signed by its secretary, Chief Felix Eyetuoma and made available to newsmen, the chiefs urged all to forgive their late colleague if he had perhaps offended any in the line of duty.

processtion of the late Oletu-Ode to the burie ground.

Describing him as a "hero" in their tribute, the burial committee, chaired by Chief (Dr.) Fidelis Adaka, said he "struggled to lead in spite of all odds."

Adaka, on his part, noted that the mammoth crowd witnessed at the ceremony goes to show the influence of the late chief in and outside the kingdom.

Uzere monarch, wife  and some other chiefs

Finally my thanks goes to HRM Henry Etuwede 111 and HRH Godpower Okpigbe Udubrakpo the Odiologo of Asiba Ellu for their humility and resilient and God Almighty for the peace he has given to Uzere Kingdom.

Dignitaries present at the occasion include the Isoko Development Union president, Chief Iduh Amadhe; the Ovie of Ellu-Ase, ; representative of the Ovie of Odi, Bayelsa state, ; Chief Gen. Alex Ogomudia (Rtd.), prince Sam Ogrih.

Others are Delta state executive members of Oletu-Ode.