By Abel Johngold Orheruata
WARRI/Nigeria: The Delta State Acting Governor, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro has described the Late Pa Johnson Ayomike as a distinguished personality whose legacy will last in the sound of time.
Barr. Otuaro stated this on Friday, 3rd November, 2017, during the Funeral ceremony of Late Pa. Johnson Ayomike, held at First Baptist Church, Warri, Delta State.
The Funeral ceremony of the Late Pa Johnson Ayomike attracted dignitaries from across the State and beyond, including the Former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, Immediate Past Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan and his wife, Senator Chief James Manager, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevworie, Chief Judge of Delta State, Justice Marshal Mukoro. Others include, Secretary to the State Government, Rt. Hon. Festus Ovie Agas, some members of the house of representatives, some civil commissioners, Chief Great Ogboru, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, top politicians amongst others.
Barr. Otuaro, who on behalf of the government and people of Delta State condole the Itsekiri nation and the Ayomike family on the passage of their father and leader, said the sterling qualities and contribulations of late Pa Ayomike in the development of the region during the old Midwestern State is worthy of emulation by any person and government of positive thought to enhance even development.
The state acting governor said government will continue to keep to its electioneering promises by provision of good governance to all Deltans.
In a sermon, Rev Ayodele Gbode, enjoined all to be careful of what they do while still living, saying that things will always continue to change.
Rev. Gbode, urge leaders and those in position of authority to emulate the astute qualities of Late Pa Ayomike who he said was not a medical doctor, yet as a commssioner for Health in the old Midwestern State, attracted much development in the health sector.
According to him, only few persons in position of authority leave good legacy behind for people to appreciate.
He noted that the mass acquisition of wealth by people while still living on earth will not follow them to the grave. He said comments made about us will not change our destiny of eternity or destruction when judgement day comes.
Rev. Gbode, enjoined all to serve God and render service humanity diligently when they find themselves in position of authority, saying that a good life is worthy of emulation.
In a tribute, Sen. James Manager, described Pa Ayomike as a founding member of The Itsekiri Leaders of Thought who had always champion the cause of the Itsekiri people, adding that his excellent qualities avail him the opportunity of being appointed as a Civil commissioner in the old Midwestern State.
While Office of the Director of Palace Administration, Olu of Warri Palace, said Pa Ayomike was indeed a generalissimo too precious to loose, asserting that he was a man of many parts, a civil commissioner, a prolific writer and historian and a custodian of several awards, national and international.
Prof. Oritsegbemi Omatete, described the late Ayomike as an erudite academician and historian, a passionate nationalist and an indefatigable and resolute arbiter in Itsekiri affairs.
Dr. Josan Ideh noted that Pa Ayomike was an accomplished author and authority in Itsekiri history adding that he was genuine sounding board for all young people who needed encouragement and advice and a historical perspective on all matters concerning Itsekiri nationhood.
Chief Edward Ekpoko, Chairman Itsekiri Leaders Of Thought, noted that Pa Ayomike was a man of courage, doggedness, one with unalloyed patriotism and transperant commitment to the progress of the Itsekiri people and Nigerian.
Recalled that, Late Pa Johnson Ayomike who died at the age of 90 years, was a former civil commissioner in the Midwestern/Bendel between 1975 and 1979. A writer of distinction who authored 8 books in history and Ethnography. He was a founding member and the immediate past chairman of the Itsekiri Leaders of Thought (ILoT), the foremost socio-political organization formed since 1974.
