Left- Right – Chief James Ibori, His sister, Christine Ibori-Ibie and his daughter, Erhiatake Ibori, during Ibori Freedom Thanksgiving Service held at the First Baptist Church, Oghara, organized by the people of Oghara, yesterday.

By Francis Sadhere, Warri

Former Delta state governor, Chief James Ibori on Sunday said that his entire life is a testimony to God, adding that his life is fashioned and directed and blessed by God.

Ibori who spoke at the First Baptist Church, Oghara, Ethiope East local government area of Delta state, said that his life travail has nothing to do with himself but with his people.

He said, “What was most painful to me was the pains and suffering my people were going through. It has nothing to do with me as a person because for some reasons I drew my strength from God.

He thanked the people for supporting him throughout his sojourn in London prison, adding that words cannot explain his gratitude for those who stood by him.

The former Delta state governor said the only testimony he had to give was that he is alive to see his people again, adding that he is committed to the awesomeness of God in his life.

“Somehow,  I knew God will stand by me. I know that one day I will return home, I am indeed happy to be in your midst. Persons that I have missed so much are those of you that have suffered the pains of my absence,” he said.

Ibori, popularly called the “Odidigboigbo of Africa” who in spoke English language and Urhobo dialects thanked the people for their show of love throughout the travail, adding, “If I am to give testimony of my journey we will not live here today.

“The only testimony I have to give is that I am alive and standing in your midst. I never have any doubt in my mind that I will get back home,” he said.

Earlier the officiating minister, Archbishop God do well Awomakpa in his sermon titled “Knowing the gift of God” urged people to emulate the good life of Ibori.

He said, “A gift of God is the one sent to earth with a responsibility to put smile on the faces of people. Many are the afflictions of the righteous but the Lord delivered them all, ” he said.

Awomakpa commended politicians that recognised and protect the churches, stressing that Ibori has done so much for the church and his people.

On his part, the monarch of Oghara kingdom, HRM Noble Oyibo Eshemitan said that Ibori has placed the kingdom in the map of the world, nltong that the people of Oghara will forever be grateful to Ibori for what he has done for them.

“We lost our son for some times and when he came back, we have to celebrate him like the prodigal son in the Bible. We should pray that the good foundation he laid should continue,” the Oghara monarch said.

Continuing he said, “Our son went to a special school and now that he is back, we will have to welcome him him home. He is a very responsible son of ours who respect traditional authority.

The Ibori return Thanksgiving Service was attended by traditional rulers, including the Ovie of Oghara, Ovie of Ughelli, Ovie of Evwreni, the Ovie of Olomu, among others.

Others are  the Immediate past governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan,  former Police Affairs Minister and his wife,  Alaowie and Mrs Broderick Bozimo, Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo, Mr Ovuozourie Macaulay, Chief Solomon Fukekeme, Senator Patrick Osakwe and Mr Festus Ovie Agas, among others.