By Wilson Macaulay
Emevor community in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State was agog with a grand celebration on Saturday, September 14, 2024, as prominent dignitaries, traditional Rulers, political class, and members of the public gathered from all walks of life to honor the late Royal Majesty Johnson Ologho Erieyovwe, of blessed memory.
Three years ago, the esteemed royal father passed away at the notable age of 105, and was subsequently honored with a commemorative farewell ceremony marked by numerous laudatory tributes.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori was represented at the event by Delta State Chief of Staff, Hon. Prince Johnson Erijoe, who led a delegation of the Executive Council and extended the governor’s goodwill message to the inhabitants of Emevor Kingdom.l
He spoke highly of the late royal father, praising his exemplary life as he described the late Emevor Monarch as a custodian of peace and a fountain of wisdom. According to Hon. Erijoe, HRM Johnson Ologho Erieyovwe was a peace ambassador whose wise counsel and leadership will surely be missed in the Isoko nation, across Delta state, and beyond.
Hon. Elder Prince Godwin Ogorugba, Chairman of Isoko North Local Government Area, in his tribute, lauded the late king’s sterling leadership qualities. He described HRM Johnson Ologho Erieyovwe, the late Monarch of Emevor Kingdom, as a rare gem of inestimable value, whose contributions to the Isoko nation will be remembered for generations to come.
Bishop Dr. Goddey Okede of Christ Saviour Ministry, Emevor, in his sermon titled “Where Will You Spend Eternity?”, taken from the book of Revelation 20:12, reminded the large congregation at Emehwa Primary School Field of the inevitability of death.
Bishop DR Okede urged every one present to embrace Christ so that when our time on earth ends, our names will be written in the book of life, thereby securing eternal peace in heaven.
The Clergy Man also eulogized the late monarch for being a God-fearing and honorable Royal Majesty who lived a life of faith and integrity.
The ceremony drew attendance from numerous traditional rulers, including HRM Joseph Emasibeta, the Odiologbo of Oyede Kingdom, and HRH Oba Barr. Olarewaju Ajayi Arilewola II, the Oba of Gbomina Ekiti, Tapa Kingdom and others.
The monarchs, speaking on behalf of their fellow Royal Fathers, praised the leadership of the late Odion, describing him as a bridge-builder who promoted unity in Isoko nation until his last breadth.
Key figures from Emevor’s traditional leadership also took the stage to pay their last respect. Chief Jonathan Okpubigho, the Ode of Emevor Kingdom, and Chief Smart Ovih, the Ire-Orah of Emevor Kingdom, both speaking on behalf of the Emevor Council of Chiefs, showered enconmums on the late Odion’s wisdom in managing the traditional affairs of Emevor Kingdom.
High Chief Iduh Amaidhe, Chairman , Board of Trustees , Isoko Development Union (IDU), in his speech recalled that the Emevor Monarch died in active duty when he was on a peace mission to Emede and Igbide to broker a truce in the communal crises between Emede and lgbide. After making peace at lgbide, he missed his steps from a long flying stare case and he fell down, he sustained severe injury and the Emevor Monarch was hospitalized at Lilly Clinic which meant he died in active duty while on a peace mission for the lsoko nation. To the family and the entire Emevor Kingdom,his death is the ultimate Price for the resolution of the Emede – Igbide communal conflict.
Chief Eta Enahoro a prominent figure in lsoko land also spoke to the press on the enviable Iife, of the late Emevor Monarch as a Royal Father who believed in peace as his first article of faith.
Prof. Chris Akpotu, the President General of Isoko Development Union (IDU) in his tribute expressed admiration for the late royal father. He spoke endlessly about the good tidings of the reign of His Royal Majesty Johnson Ologho Erieyovwe , before he passed on as an epitome of Peace in lsoko land.
Rev. David Abiaka, Chairman of the Emevor Christian Association, in his commentary praised God for the life and legacy of the departed royal father, noting his profound impact on fostering peace and love in the great Emevor Kingdom.
Venerable P.O. Ereh, the eldest man in Erieyovwe family, speaking on behalf of the family, gave thanks for the life of HRM Johnson Erieyovwe and his remarkable journey as the grandson of the Ibregbe family Who became the esteemed Odion of Emevor Kingdom.
Various community leaders and representatives, including Young Isiorho from Uruloho Street where the late Odion hailed from, shared their heartfelt tributes. They spoke of the king’s total commitment and precision in directing the affairs of Emevor Kingdom and his pivotal role in maintaining the peace and tradition of the Isoko nation.
Venerable Emmanuel Idimi of Ebenezer Church, Ozoro, emphasized how the late monarch’s reign was marked by bridge-building and reconciliation. Dr. Akpo Mudiaga Odje, a constitutional lawyer, described the late king as a man of gentle and amiable disposition, while Coach Paul Obire and Sir Jemide David highlighted the monarch’s role in mediating and resolving the communal conflict between Emede and Igbide in Isoko South LGA between 2020 and 2021.
The Alders League Group, represented by Chief Steve Sokoh JP, and Parliament BOG, led by Hon. Barr. Edewor Omonemu and Engr. Joseph Oduoh, also shared glowing tributes. They hailed the late Royal Majesty Johnson Ologho Erieyovwe, the great Emevor Monarch as a worthy leader whose remarkable legacy would be cherished for generations to come.
Sir Mathias Ojarikre, PhD, Chairman of the Burial Planning Committee, in his address praised the royal family and the
entire Emevor Community for their cooperation in giving the late monarch a befitting burial ceremony.
HRH Dr. John Holt Ologho, the current Odion of Emevor Kingdom, delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of the royal family. He expressed deep gratitude to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by Delta State Chief of Staff, Hon Prince Johnson Erijoe,
the Delta State Executive Council, Isoko North LGA Chairman ,Hon Prince Godwin Ogorugba. HRH DR John Holt Ologho appreciated all the dignitaries and community members who came to honor his late father, HRM Johnson Ologho Erieyovwe.
The final passage rite for HRM Johnson Ologho Erieyovwe was not only a celebration of a life well-lived but also a testament to his lasting impact on Emevor Kingdom, Isoko Nation, and Delta State as a whole.
DAY TWO
Emevor Kingdom Concludes Passage Rites with Thanksgiving Service at Christ Saviour Ministry
The Royal Family of Emevor Kingdom, led by His Royal Majesty Dr. John Holt Ologho, the Odion of Emevor, on Sunday 15th September 2024 gathered at Christ Saviour Ministry, Emevor, for a thanksgiving service to God Almighty for the successful passage rites of the late Royal Majesty, HRM Johnson Ologho Erieyovwe on the previous day on 14th September, 2024.
Bishop Dr. Goddey Okede delivered a heartfelt message titled “Your Good Will Speak for You”, drawing from Isaiah 38:1-8. he highlighted how King Hezekiah’s good deeds led to God’s reversal of a death verdict, urging the kingdom to emulate the late Royal Majesty Johnson Ologho Erieyovwe who lived a life of integrity, honor, and fear of God before passing on to eternal bliss at the age of 105 years.
The Church service as expected was graced by notable royal fathers, including HRM Awo Ovrawha, Omogha 1, the Odio-Ologbo of Oleh Kingdom; the Chairman of lsoko Traditional Rulers Council,
HRM Johnson Emasibeta, Odiologbo of Oyede Kingdom; HRM Dr. Joseph Akokohor Aghagba, the past Regent of Irri Kingdom,and HRH Oba Barr. Rufus Ajayi Arilewola II, Oba of Gbomina Ekiti Tapa Kingdom, among others.
Chief Jonathan Okpubigho, the Ode of Emevor Kingdom and Chief Smart Ovih the lre Orah of Emevor Kingdom led the Emevor Council of Chiefs to the glorious thanksgiving service.Comrade Teddy Edoso, President-General of Emevor Progress Union, and other dignitaries too numerous to be mentioned were all in attendance
HRM DR. John Holt Ologho the Odion of Emevor Kingdom in his brief remarks at the Church expressed gratitude to God Almighty, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the Delta State Chief of Staff ,Hon Prince Johnson Erijoe, Members of the Delta State Executive Council Present,Hon Prince Godwin Ogorugba Chairman lsoko North LGA, Bishop DR Goddey Okede, Christ Saviour Ministry, Chief Fonseca Avworo ,Alders League and Friends World Wide, BOG Parliament Ughelli, Awhotu Social Club of Emevor, Elite Club Lagos, Congress of Friends, lsoko Traditional Rulers Council , lsoko Development Union, (lDU) Emevor Progressive Union, Emevor Council of Chiefs, and all well-wishers for the befitting passage rite accorded his father and the successful thanksgiving service.
He promised to undertake a legacy project in the Church in memory of the late great Emevor Monarch.
