Oginibo town in Ughelli south local government area of Delta State, the country home of late Olorogun Barr. Kenneth Ghagi, FNIM, OON, saw more visitors who trooped into the community to pay their last respect to the dogged fighter and political bulldozer than when he was alive.
Commercial activities were shut down completely by both vehicular and human movements, causing a heavy gridlock on Friday July 12, 2024.
The event which was to mark the final home call for the former Minister of State for Education and governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), in the 2023, gubernatorial contest, was turned into a carnival-like event with cultural display and political gathering well attended by people of all walks of life.
Although, the atmosphere, was that of sadness for the only man who brought development to the community with his hard earned resources and little of government presence, however, Indigenes and residents of Oginibo, young and old shutdown their houses and business premises, trooped out to pay their last respect to a man they once called “Abuja Daddy”.
The deceased’s body was taken round the community where some who were still in doubt, came to terms with his death that of the truth Gbagi, who was fondly called in Urhobo, “Oja re Urhobo Rheri”, by translation, the suffering of Urhobos has cone to an end, believed after seeing his lifeless body.
Despite the rains coupled with the local government elections scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday 13th July 2024, family members, friends, business and political associates defiled the season to honour the late philanthropist, Criminologist, Senior lawyer, security expert, largest employer of labour in the State, a disciplinarian, mentor and a man who lived larger than life.
In his homily during the funeral service, the Very Revd. Fr. Ambrose Oghenejode Abaka, said the late Chief Kenneth Gbagi was a generous man who helped people within and outside the country in difficult times of their lives.
Revd. Fr. Abaka said the news of Chief Gbagi’s death came as a rude shock to many people, adding that he was an erudite scholar of immense repute.
He disclosed that the deceased was a servant leader in the authority of Christ, saying; “we are gathered here as a family in communion with God to seek God’s grace and mercy on his soul.”
The Catholic priest harped on the need for peace and unity among the people in the Niger Delta so as to advance sustainable socio-economic growth and development in the region.
Hear him: “We need unity in the Niger Delta to advance sustainable development in the region. Before now, Burutu port was working but today, Burutu and Warri ports are no longer working.
“Crude oil are extracted from the Niger Delta but most oil companies have their offices in Lagos. We need unity to reposition the region,” he said, adding that without unity, no meaningful development could be achieved.
Present at the burial ceremony are the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, the Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Dennis Emomotimi Guwor, Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Senator Ede Dafinone and the presidential candidate of SDP, Prince Adewole Adebayo.
Other dignitaries at the funeral include; Chief Judge of Delta State, Justice Theresa Diai; Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo; Senator James Manager; former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Alexander Ogomudia.
Also, former Minister of Youth and Sports, Barr. Solomon Dalung; Member representing Ughelli South State Constituency, Hon. Festus Utuama and Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze among others were present at the funeral.
