By Spence Okwagbaye
The most senior woman (Okpako Eghweya) of Idjerhe Kingdom, late Mrs Edemida Onogho (nee Orhorhoro) who died over five months ago was finally laid to rest in her home town, Edeje – Irhodo Jesse.
The epoch making event which took place on the 3rd of December, 2021 had in attendance a roll call of who is who not only in Jesse and Delta but the country at large.
Late Edemida got married to Onogho,a son of Imetue in Okwagbaye village Jesse, as
they lived together for several years until the husband,a notable farmer passed on few years ago.
The passage of the husband no doubt had some negative impact on her but like a worrior she moved on with the lovely children until death came calling and took her away at the very over ripe age of 125 years after reigning for over two years as the okpako eghweya of Idjerhe Kingdom.
After her death and having spent about five months in the mortuary,the kingdom in alliance with family deemed it necessary that it is time for her to have the final rest with her creator hence the 3rd of December, 2021 will remain evergreen not only in the minds of those of the immediate family members but the entire Idjerhe Clan as a whole.
The convoy that conveyed her corpse from Orokpokpor-Mosogar to Edeje Jesse in a motorcade was endless as every Tom, Dick and Harry wanted to catch a glimpse of a prominent farmer, community leader who undoubtedly came,saw and conquered.
The 14-day burial rites specially reserved for special specie of her type were observed very religiously even though there were few unavoidable skirmishes here and there which is normal in an event of such magnitude.
The event which was held both day and night during the period had the best of Urhobo Musicians, Dance groups and Urhobo Orators in attendance.
The eldest son, Mr. Samson Onogho popularly called “Chief Commissioner for Enjoyment” in his appreciation remarks, thanked all politicians, Chiefs, the Clergy, In-laws, Eghweyas, Inotus, the youths especially those of Ejera, Irhodo Edeje and others too numerous to mention for their spiritual, financial and moral supports before, during and after the earth shaking burial.
On her part,the eldest daughter,Mrs Grace Otodo – a prominent business woman in Warri also thanked all who made out time despite their tight schedules to grace the occasion.
