…As Late Ibru is laid to rest

By Francis Sadhere

The Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria, Most Reverend Nicholas Okoh has charged the family of late Senator Felix Ibru to settle their differences and should not allow the name to die.

A cross section of the late Ibru Family during the church service.

Most Rev. Okoh made this plea on Wednesday during the funeral service of late Senator Felix Ibru which was held at the Diocese of Ughelli Church of Nigeria, in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.

The Archbishop in his sermon titled “The Two Churches,” stressed on the need for the children of late Senator Ibru to put aside whatever differences they had among themselves and redeem their father’s name and image.

Okoh said the Ibru name is one of the most important names in the country and that the family should not allow the name to come into disrepute because of internal wrangling.

He said, “I make this appeal directly to the Ibrus, settle your differences. I repeat in the word of God, settle your difference. This name is so great that it cannot afford to be destroyed. Those of you who are younger must be jealous of this name.

“Those of you who are older must struggle for this name and whatever it is going to cost you, give it. The Bible said, if your hand will make you to miss heaven, cut it off. If your eye will make you to miss heaven, blind it. Is it money, is it property, is it personality? Give it all. God is the owner of everything. Resolve to let it go. Do not worry about what you will eat or wear, but let not the name of Ibru be destroyed.”

While describing the late Ibru as a great man, the primate of Anglican church, called on Nigerians to learn from the example of late Ibru and live peacefully with one another.

Okoh also urged all Christians to live a life that is acceptable to God and strive to do the will of God in their daily activities.

Late Felix Ibru the first civilian governor of Delta died on March 12, 2016 at the aged of 80.

Ibru was also a senator in the fifth assemby between 2003 to 2007 and also a former President-General of Urhobo Progress Union (UPU).

He hailed from Agbarha-Otor in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta.

In attendance were : the Delta governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, Gen. Samuel Ogbemudia(rtd), serving senators in the three senatorial districts in Delta among other dignitaries.

Service of song and lying in state was earlier held in his family house late Tuesday in Ughelli.