The Osuoza family of Idumu Osu quarters in Idumuje Ugboko, Aniocha North LGA of Delta State, has expressed gratitude over the successful funeral ceremony of their Patriarch, Snr. Apostle Patrick Longe Osuoza, who was laid to rest on Friday, April 19, 2024.
Speaking on behalf of the family at the well attended funeral reception, Delta State Commissioner for Information Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, who is the eldest son of Pa. Patrick Osuoza, said his family was overwhelmed with the magnitude of support and calibre of personalities who thronged the venue and converged in his community of Idumuje-Ugboko to honour and pay their last respects through the befitting burial accorded his late father.
He said, “this is the first time in the annals of history that a sitting governor, his deputy, a former governor of the State, as well as the full compliment of the State Executive Council has attended an event of this nature here in my community”.
Dr. Osuoza, who noted that his late father may have wished to be accorded a befitting state burial, since his demise occurred barely a few weeks after his announcement as a Commissioner, further said that to be modest his father affected his community positively as well as the Body of Christ and while expressing the gratitude of his family for the massive support and outpouring of love they received, especially thanked the State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for finding him worthy and standing by him since his appointment.
The funeral ceremony proper was kick-started by a service of songs on Thursday, 18th April, 2024. This was followed by the funeral service and interment of the body of late Pa. Patrick Osuoza on Friday, 19th April, 2024. The Ine Ebo (Traditional Rites of Passage) took place on Saturday, 20th April, 2024, while the Outing Service was held on Sunday, 21st April, 2024.
The Christian funeral service was conducted and officiated by the St. Michael Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim and Seraphim, Idumuje-Ugboko and traditional rites of passage ceremony which was later followed by a grand reception in an evening of social Celebration which had the entire community agog with songs, dances and great merriment, were held at Pa. Patrick Osuoza’s residence in Idumu-Osu quarters, while the reception took place at Ugboko Primary School all in Idumuje Ugboko.
The burial, which was marked with pomp and great fanfare, was attended by the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, Immediate past governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, Commissioners, former Deputy Governor, Chief BSC Elue, former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, among several dignitaries, including members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm, who turned out enmasse.
