Jonathan, Diri, Ogbuku, others eulogise late Ayakoro paramount ruler

Nathan Tamarapreye, Yenagoa

The remains of the Paramount Ruler of Ayakoro Community in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, His Royal Highness King Righteous Inegbagha, were at the weekend laid to rest.

The monarch died on September 5 after a brief illness, aged 74.

He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces, cousins, in-laws and other relatives.

High-profile personalities from all walks of life attended the funeral service, which was conducted by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Ayakoro Community.

Speaking at the event, former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, extolled the sterling qualities of the late monarch, describing him as a man whose name, Righteous, truly reflected his character.

Jonathan said the late traditional ruler was a personal friend and senior colleague from their school days at Mater Dei High School, Imiringi, adding that even then, he lived a righteous life devoid of unnecessary punishment of students.

He said he was not surprised that the Ayakoro Community collectively chose him as their paramount ruler.

“So, I am not surprised that the Ayakoro people made him king of the community. The fact that development came to this community during his reign speaks volumes,” Jonathan said.

Quoting William Shakespeare, the former president noted that some people leave the world when their ovation is loudest.

“King Righteous Inegbagha left us when his ovation was still very loud. We would have loved him to stay a little longer with us, but God knows best.

“We pray that the Almighty God grants his immediate family, Ayakoro Community, the Ogbia Kingdom and the extended family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” he added.

Jonathan urged the Deputy Chief of Staff, Bayelsa State Government, Mr Irorodamie Komonibo, to convey the appreciation of the people of Ayakoro and the Ogbia Kingdom to Governor Douye Diri for sending a representative to the funeral.

He also expressed gratitude to the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief (Dr) Samuel Ogbuku, and his wife, as well as the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingoberre, for delegating the Leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Monday Edwin Bubou Obolo, to represent him, principal officers and members.

He equally thanked members of the State Executive Council, traditional rulers within and outside the state, and all those who attended the burial ceremony.

Also speaking, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State described the late monarch as a trailblazer and a man of impeccable character.

The governor, who was represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Government House, Mr Irorodamie Komonibo, said King Inegbagha was peaceful, loving and caring, leaving behind enduring footprints worthy of emulation.

He described the late ruler as a distinguished custodian of the traditional institution who served with uncommon humility, adding that his reign provided stability, guidance and timely leadership to Ayakoro Community.

In his remarks, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NDDC, Chief (Dr) Samuel Ogbuku, described the late king as a man who truly lived by the values of righteousness, as depicted by his name.

Ogbuku attributed the peace that characterised Ayakoro Community during the monarch’s reign to the development witnessed in the area.

“Those who have not visited this community for a long time can see the transformation that came as a result of peace during his reign. Without peace, there can be no development,” he said.

He urged traditional rulers to enthrone peace in their domains, stressing that development thrives only in an atmosphere of harmony.

“Development, like capital, is selfish. It avoids areas where there is crisis. If there is one thing we must remember the departed king for, it is the peace he established in this community,” Ogbuku stated.

He added that where there is peace, there is love, growth and development, urging leaders to emulate the late monarch’s virtues of unity and harmony.

Ogbuku further expressed optimism about the future of Ayakoro Community, noting that the solid foundation laid by the late monarch would inspire leaders to build on his legacy.

In his sermon, Pastor (Dr) Peter Akpe, Provincial Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, lauded the exceptional qualities, impact and devotion of the late King Righteous Inegbagha in the service of God.

He said the monarch lived and died in Christ, adding that death was a transition to eternal life. Pastor Akpe urged the people to live lives worthy of celebration, noting that individuals are remembered for the positive impact they make while alive.