In a solemn yet celebratory gathering, the mortal remains of Late Chief (Mrs.) Margaret Ojo Obianukor (née Aghauno), who passed away at the age of 96, were laid to rest over the weekend at the family compound in Umutu, Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State.”
Mrs Ojo Obianukor is the mother of Hon Alphonsus Ojo, a member of the 4th, 5th and 6th Delta State Assembly and presently Consultant to the State Government on Health.
The open air funeral service, held at the play ground of Umutu Mixed Secondary School and coordinated by First Baptist Church, Umutu, drew an impressive turnout of dignitaries within and outside the state.
Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori arrived the venue about forty five minutes before the funeral service commenced, and fully participated in the service, which began with reverent hymns led by the church choir, followed by a sermon that highlighted the virtues of the deceased and offered comfort to her grieving family.
The Officiating Minister, Reverend Smart Uponi, delivered a moving eulogy, describing late Mrs Ojo Obianukor as a pillar of faith, generosity and resilience whose legacy would continue to inspire her children and the wider community.
Reverend Uponi explained that death is an experience that is universal, hence the need to appropriately and effectively prepare for its occurrence as it can happen to anyone, anytime.
He charged the congregation to examine their ways of life, relationships with God and where to spend eternity when the time comes, even as he enjoined them to do all things in honour of His name and to His glory.
Prayers were offered for peace and progress amongst the children, the extended family, Umutu community, Delta state and for the repose of the soul of the late nonagenarian.
The funeral service was followed by interment of the remains of the late Mrs Ojo Obianukor at the family compound, 60 Igili Road, Umutu.
Dust‑to‑dust that symbolizes the return of the body to the earth was performed by grieving children and relatives who were struck by the reality that, although the mother of six lived a fulfilled life and transitioned at the age of 96, she was no more, hence the tears.
The atmosphere at the reception was that of conviviality as guests felt comfortable with each other’s company, shared cheers of camaraderie that come from laughter, pleasant conversation, and a sense of relaxed enjoyment.
Delta State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, the immediate past Governor of the state, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, some members of National and State Assembly, Civil Commissioners, Chief of Staff Government House, Hon Johnson Erijo, and the State Chairman of All Progressive Congress, APC, Elder Omene Sobotie, were among prominent figures from politics, the civil service and the private sector in attendance.
The eldest son of the deceased, Hon Alphonsus Ojo, expressed profound gratitude to God for the life lived by his mother and prayed God to rest her soul in His bosom.
“My mother’s life reminds us of the power of service, humility and unwavering faith. I thank His Excellencies, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Deputy Governor Sir Monday Onyeme, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Elder Omene Sobotie and all who have come to honor her memory. Their presence is a testament to the respect she commanded and the love she spread”.
Corroborating the statement made by Hon Ojo, some of the siblings interviewed, paid glowing praises to their mother for being so wonderful in the service of God and humanity.
Friends, colleagues and other relatives that spoke, including the Chief of Staff Government House, Hon Johnson Erijo, Political Advisor to the Speaker, Engr Dan Ossai and a prominent figure in Umutu community, Hon Monday Ibobo, extolled the legendary achievements of the late Mrs Ojo Obianukor and urged the family to remain united in honour of their mother.
Some of them recounted personal anecdotes about the deceased matriarch’s kindness and the impact she had on many lives.
Guests were treated to local delicacies and various forms of entertainment.