How PS Kokole Buried late Mother ln-law at Gbekebor on Friday 26
...... As PS Kokole appreciate God, family, colleagues, friends and well wishers for honouring his invitation
Francis Tayor
Warri____ Remains of late Mama Maria Kala-Erekedounana Okiwowo, mother in-law of the Assistant Director Administration (Exco Recorder) Burutu Local Government Council who also doubles as the Secretary to the Burutu LGA Traditional Rulers Committee, Mr. Patrick Selekeye Kokole, were over the weekend Friday 26th May, 2023, laid to eternal rest at her hometown, Gbekebor Community in Ogbolubiri Kingdom, Burutu Local Government Area, Delta State, amidst tears and eulogies.
Mama Maria whose body leaves Ame Specialist Hospital Mortuary Okumagba Avenue by 8;00AM on Friday morning via Miller Jetty NPA Warri amidst funfare with Trumpet boys and undertaker display to her hometown Gbekebor.
The corpse arrived Gbekebor at about 9:00 AM for a brief stopover at her husband compound, and thereafter to her father's compound in accordance to the ljaw tradition.
Exactly 10:00AM, the body was conveyed to St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Gbekebor for Funeral Mass conducted by a team of catholic priests led by Rev. Father Methodius Emolade.
In his sermon at the funeral service, Rev. Father Methodius Emolade, described late Maria Kala-Erekedounana as a woman that made positive impact in the society, especially raising her children right in the way of the Lord.
Rev. Emolade said resurrection and judgement were at hand and advocated for a positive change of heart among believers and sinners as there was no repentance in the grave.
While praying God to grant the soul of the deceased eternal rest, he urged her children to immortalize her by promoting the good traits she radiated.
Immediately after the sermon, the remains of mama Maria was conveyed to the graveside and interred at about 2:45PM.
Thereafter, reception/entertainment of guests took place at her father's compound with DJ ADK of Ayakoromo who trilled the audience with good ljaw owigiri highlife music.
At the afternoon reception session, PS Kokole was joined by friends, colleagues from Burutu and other sympathizers, especially his Prime Club lnt'l family graciously graced the occasion ably led by the President, Engr. Henry Yeigagha.
In his remarks at the occasion, the President Prime Club lnt'l Ayakoromo, Engr. Henry Yeigagha, commiserated with Mrs. Augustina Kokole and the entire Okiwowo family of Gbekebor on the passing of their beloved mother, noting that she lived a life of great accomplishments, especially in bringing up her children in the way of the Lord.
Yeigagha, on behalf of Prime Club lnt'l present said late. Maria Kala-Erekedounana was a great mother who went through a lot in keeping the family together.
“She lived a life that continuously believed in God, a life of compassion and service unto God, humanity and we must continuously pray for the spirit to care for one another in the course of our Christian race"
He however, urged Mr/Mrs. PS Kokole and the bereaved family to takeheart, stressing that mama is resting in the bosom of her creator God Almighty, the statement added.
Speaking on behalf of the Ezonfade family Gbekebor, Hon. Theodore Ezonfade, thanked all dignitaries for attending their sister's burial ceremony.
He specially appreciated the Priests (Rev. Father's and Rev. Sisters), the various Catechists present, Oyaberekumo family of Gbekebor, the Okiwowo family, Tuedon family of Ayakoromo, Kokole family, Prime Club lnt'l Ayakoromo, St. Stephen Catholic Church Ayakoromo, Civil Servants from Burutu, those from Yanagoa, Otweke, Ughelli, Warri, Ogbe-ljoh, Okoloba amongst other well wishers that grace the occasion of their mother, pray God to bless them for their show of love during their moment of grief.
Meanwhile, PS Kokole has expressed gratitude and appreciation to God for the successful burial rites of his mother in-law over the weekend amidst fair weather without rain, crisis and accident.
He further appreciated his family, colleagues, friends and well wishers for their solidarity and show of love during the burial ceremony, praying God to grant them their heart desires, he noted.
However, it will interest the public to note that the burial was scheduled for both day and night.
The night session social wake keep till dawn took place at Gbekebor Primary School field at about 8:00PM. The venue was crowded with people of all works of life, who came from different parts of the country; Lagos, Edo, Bayelsa , Rivers, Delta Plateau States etc
It was eventful and colourful as the children of mama dance with their lovely husbands, wives, and grandchildren to the melodious voice and the captivating owigiri highlife music soudbeats of the wonderful performing guest artist, Chief. Kingsley Takemebo alias the Mienkuro 1 of lzon-lbe
The social wake keep also featured in-laws greetings and salutations with entertainment.
DJ ADK Anthony Dilayei Kokole of Ayakoromo with his dance crew was not left out as they occupied the arena with scentilating dance steps to the amazement of the mammoth crowed that grace the occasion.
Some personalities present at the funeral service include; Engr. Suowari, Hon. Richard Tuedon, Hon. Theodore Ezonfade, Chief. Victor Saramo, External Auditor Burutu, Barr. Ganagana Tuedon, Comr. Bennard Ayabotu, NULGE Chairman Burutu, Mrs. Beauty Ogunu, Barr. David Otutufegha, Mr/Mrs Engr. Henry Yeigagha, Barr. Preye Onduku, Mr. Richard Ebibofa, Chairman Ayakoromo community, Sir. Edwin Demebide, Evang. Oyinpre Seigha amongst others too numerous to mention.
