Emevor community buries late monarch amidst eulogies ~ Truth Reporters

It was a carnival of sorts on Saturday as the people of Emevor kingdom in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State gathered in their thousands to pay special tributes to their late monarch, HRM Francis Onovughakpo Ekama, the Odion of Emevor, who joined his ancestors at 115 years.

Speaking at the carnival-like burial reception in honour of the monarch, Commissioner representing Isoko Ethnic Nationality on the Board of DESOPADEC, Dr Paul Oweh, described the late monarch as an astute leader whose reign brought development and peace to the community.

Dr Oweh, an illustrious son of the community noted that the late monarch will be fondly remembered for his genuine and burning desire for the growth and development of the community.


He advised the bereaved family to emulate their father’s footprints, hospitality and love for equity and justice which he epitomised by standing firm in his settlement of internal disputes in the kingdom.

Oweh also commended sons and daughters of Emevor for coming out in their numbers to pay last respect for departed monarch.

“Today, we mourn our great king who has joined his ancestors.

"He was an epitome of equity, justice and fairness, whose outstanding attributes are worth emulating.

"The late monarch led the kingdom with fear of God which accounted for his peaceful reign as Odion of Emevor.

“It is our earnest prayer that his legacies be preserved and consolidated upon for the building of our community, state and country at large,” Oweh stated

In a vote of thanks, son of the late monarch and Regent of the community, HRH Ovie Solomon Onovughakpo thanked the people for coming to honour their father whom he described as a great leader whose reign will be long remembered for the peace and development he attracted to the community during his reign.

He called on Nigerians, to continue to promote the virtues of honesty, justice and fairness which his late father stood for.

The late Francis Onovughakpo was installed as Odion of Emevor on February 27, 2010 and was presented a staff of office by the Delta State Government on May 13, 2011 by former Deputy Governor, Prof Amos Utuama.

During his reign, the National Open University of Nigeria, (NOUN), Emevor Study Centre, was established and he became the first student of the study centre based on the scholarship awarded to him by the then Vice Chancellor, Prof. Vincent Tenebe.

A man of peace who cared for his people, his reign was marked by peaceful co-existence among the people of Emevor and their neighbours.

Truth Reporters (TR) reports that the burial ceremony attracted several traditional and cultural dance groups which showcased the rich cultural heritage of the Emevor and Isoko people.

Chairman of Isoko North Local Government Council, Hon Emmanuel Egbabor, represented by the Secretary to the Local Government Council Mr Kome Ozue, President General of Isoko Development Union, (IDU) High Chief Iduh Amadhe, President General of Emevor Kingdom, Sir Moses Agboro, President General of Ozoro Kingdom, Prince Nicholas Areh, Dr Nelson Ejakpovi, Special Assistant Media to the Governor of Delta, Mr. Nelson Egware, Chief Akpos Uvo, Chairman Delta State Land Allocations Committee, Prince Godwin Ogorugba amongst other prominent Isoko leaders graced the funeral ceremony.