By Emma Arubi, Warri
Dere Awosika, Prince Emmanuel Okotie-Eboh, Oritsereneye Okotie-Eboh and others on Wednesday 6 July 2022 paid glowing tribute to their late brother and friend, Chief Joseph Adolor Okotie-Eboh during his third memorial anniversary service held on July 6, 2022.
The memorial service which took place at the graveside of late Chief Adolor Okotie-Eboh saw his family, friends and well wishers all eulogising and pouring glowing tribute on late Adolor Okotie-Eboh.
The ceremony which started with reading of scriptures by the wife of late Adolor Okotie-Eboh ended with songs and prayers for the late Adolor Okotie-Eboh.
The presiding Pastor, Rev Sylvester Ogheneakpobo in his exhortation said the family of late Chief Adolor Okotie-Eboh held the memorial in his honour every year to celebrate his legacy.
He urged those who attended the memorial service of late Adolor Okotie-Eboh to emulate his life of peaceful coexistence with all and sundry.
Ogheneakpobo said late Adolor Okotie-Eboh was a man of peace who spread the message of peace everywhere he goes.
Dr Dere Awosika, Adolor Okotie-Eboh’s elder sister, during her tribute, said late Adolor Okotie-Eboh was a man of peace who always seeks for a peaceful resolution to any conflict between people around him.
She said this was the reason why she thought it wise and said that the best way to run his legacy of peace and conflict resolution, was to institute the foundation in his name.
“We did a lecture last year on his second anniversary and it was broadcasted globally and the responses to that lecture were very good, including the parastatals of government. They looked at the idea and the system that will run it with a beautiful board led by Tayo Ayetibo SAN, and every other person in the board and they were satisfied. This is the work that he dedicated his life to and instituting it will make it continually speak after him,” Dr Awosika said.
Former regent of Warri Kingdom, Prince Emmanuel Okotie-Eboh, who also spoke during the ceremony told journalists that his brother was a jolly good fellow who surrounded himself with all sorts of men.
He said Adolor Okotie-Eboh during his life time was always seeking for ways to make peace with everybody around him no matter the conflict.
“My late brother was a play maker who made things happen. He was a key figure in the family when he was around. We are greatly feeling his absence in the family. He was a man who cared about others more than himself or his family. He was a great man,” Emmanuel Okotie-Eboh said.
Oritsereneye Okotie-Eboh who also spoke at the memorial service, said that his brother, late Adolor Okotie-Eboh was a man of compassion who always felt the need to help others.
Tayo Ayetibo (SAN), Chairman of the Joseph Adolor Okotie-Eboh Peace and Conflict Resolution Foundation,described late Adolor Okotie-Eboh as a man of many parts.
Ayetibo said late Adolor Okotie-Eboh was an astute businessman and politician whose style of politics was devoid of rancour.
“Chief Joseph Adolor Okotie-Eboh’s personality exemplified the ways in which Language, Ethnicity and Religion became inconsequential in situations where he stepped in,to avert existential or political conflict.
“As a political Stalwart, Adolor Okotie-Eboh remained a Loving, and Peaceful individual,” Ayetibo said.
Amaechi Ogbonna, a close friend of late Adolor Okotie-Eboh, described him as someone who has a penchant for helping people.
Ogbonna noted that Adolor Okotie-Eboh during his life time never had any reason to remain angry at anybody even when offended.
Ambrose Abolo, said later Adolor Okotie-Eboh has touched many souls with his kindness, adding that Adolor Okotie-Eboh was always surrounding himself with both people that love and hate him.
Bridget Otobo, during her vote of thanks on behalf of the family appreciated all those who came to grace the ceremony with their presence, praying to God to bless all of them.
