UMUTU/Nigeria: 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 was the mother of Hon. Alphonsus Ojo, a three-term member of the Delta State House of Assembly and currently Consultant to the State Government on Health.
The open-air funeral service, held at the playground of Umutu Mixed Secondary School and coordinated by the First Baptist Church, Umutu, attracted a large turnout of dignitaries from within and outside the state.
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, arrived about forty-five minutes before the service commenced and fully participated in a ceremony marked by hymns rendered by the church choir and a comforting sermon eulogizing the deceased.
The officiating minister, Reverend Smart Uponi, described Mrs. Ojo Obianukor as a woman of deep faith, generosity, and resilience whose legacy would continue to illuminate the lives of her children and the community.
Reverend Uponi reminded the congregation of the universality of death and urged them to prepare spiritually, reflect on their relationship with God, and live in a way that honours Him.
Prayers were offered for the children, the extended family, Umutu community, Delta State, and for the peaceful repose of the late nonagenarian’s soul.
Following the service, her remains were interred at the family compound at 60 Igili Road, Umutu.
An emotional dust-to-dust rite was performed by her children and relatives, who acknowledged that although she lived a fulfilled life at 96, her passing remained a painful reality.
The atmosphere later shifted to one of conviviality at the reception, where guests enjoyed one another’s company, engaging in cheerful conversations and light-hearted moments.
Among the dignitaries present were Delta State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme; former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa; members of the National and State Assemblies; civil commissioners; Chief of Staff Government House, Hon. Johnson Erijo; and APC State Chairman, Elder Omene Sobotie, alongside many others from the public and private sectors.
The eldest son, Hon. Alphonsus Ojo, expressed deep gratitude to God for his mother’s life and prayed for her peaceful rest.
He said, “My mother’s life reminds us of the power of service, humility, and unwavering faith. I thank Their Excellencies and all who honoured her memory. Their presence testifies to the respect she earned and the love she shared.”
Some of his siblings echoed similar sentiments, praising their mother’s unwavering devotion to God and humanity.
Friends, colleagues, and relatives, including Hon. Johnson Erijo, Engr. Dan Ossai, and Hon. Monday Ibobo, also paid glowing tributes, recalling her impactful life and urging the family to remain united in her honour.
Several guests shared personal stories of the matriarch’s kindness and the lasting influence she had on many lives.
Guests were later treated to local delicacies and various forms of entertainment, rounding off the day in a blend of remembrance and celebration.
