OWA/Nigeria: It was a solemn yet colourful celebration of life in Owa Kingdom at the weekend as the Board of Trustees Chairman of the pro-Tinubu Independent Campaign Organisation, Forward Bola Ahmed Tinubu 2027, Chief Sunday Ojei, popularly known as Ebubedike of Owa Kingdom, laid his mother, late Chief (Mrs) Victoria Ojei, to rest amid a large gathering of dignitaries from within and outside Delta State.
The late matriarch, who died peacefully in her sleep last year at over 100 years, was interred in her hometown following a series of burial rites culminating in the final ceremonies last weekend. Her passage, family sources said, marked the end of an era for a woman widely revered for her longevity, grace and service to humanity.
In a moving tribute, Chief Ojei described his mother as a woman of peace and dignity who lived a fulfilled life and, at a point, was regarded as a mother of the kingdom because of her selfless contributions to community development. He noted that her death was deeply felt across Owa Kingdom, where she was cherished as a matriarch whose strength and resilience held her family together after the demise of her husband.
“Today, I celebrate the glorious transition of my beloved mother, the mother of Owa Kingdom and great grandmother to our children. Though we mourn her passing, we also celebrate a life well spent. I thank God, her Creator, for granting her such a remarkable journey on earth, and I pray for her eternal rest,” Chief Ojei said.
The well-attended ceremony drew traditional rulers and chiefs of Owa Kingdom, political associates and supporters of the Forward Bola Ahmed Tinubu group led by its Chairman, Dr. Sadiq Yusuf. Also present were the National Women Leader of the group, Chief (Mrs) Queen Angel Urai; Hon. Chuma Chugbo; the Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on Youth Development and National President of the APC Youth League, Comrade Olamide Lawal; representatives of the Kebbi State Governor; and other top government functionaries. The Nancy Ossai-led Nancy Power Dancers, famed for their “Chukwu Bu Ukpe” cultural performances, entertained guests with energetic displays.
Beyond the interment rites, the ceremony was marked by acts of charity as Chief Ojei and his siblings distributed household items and bags of rice to the less privileged who thronged the venue from different parts of the Niger Delta region to pay their last respects.
The event, which attracted former governors and commissioners in the state, ran for several days and climaxed on Saturday with a grand finale that underscored the deceased’s standing in the community and her son’s wide political reach.
Seizing the moment, Chief Ojei urged Deltans and Nigerians to register ahead of the forthcoming elections and sustain their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 second term bid, describing the President as a reformist determined to reposition the nation. He also assured that his organisation would mobilise massive support for Governor Sheriff Oborevwori in the 2027 gubernatorial contest, commending what he termed the administration’s strides in infrastructure, human capital development and capacity building.
“We owe the President and the Governor a duty of appreciation through loyalty and responsible followership, and that gratitude must be expressed at the polls in 2027. Our organisation is committed to the re-election of credible APC candidates across the country, and that remains our collective thrust,” Chief Ojei stated.
